BARBARA C. Makhalisa is probably the most versatile of all female writers from the Matabeleland region. Only
the late Dr. Yvonne Vera rivals her, however the difference between the two is that Vera writes in English. Makhalisa writes
mostly in IsiNdebele language though she has written in English at times.
Most readers in the IsiNdebele language remember her book, Impilo Yinkinga, which ranks as probably the most beautiful novel ever written in IsiNdebele. This is because
of its strong characterization, a suspense-filled plot and its sheer excellence in terms of language use. She never sets her
pen wrong in this book as she produces flawless literature in IsiNdebele.
Like most writers of her age, Makhalisa started off as a teacher. Since writing doesn’t
pay in this part of the world, Makhalisa has not quit formal employment, though she has stuck with writing. Recently she has
become involved with writers groups that are aimed at helping groom young writers.
Her work has been mostly with the Zimbabwe Women Writers group.
She has also been involved in television work presenting a cookery programme on national
television.
Makhalisa’s work in the field of literature is commendable and she deserves a place
in the Zimbabwean literary hall of fame. She writes on topical social issues and these mostly touch on women. She has written
about jilted young girls and abused women. She is very objective in her work as she is able to portray to us that the problems
that women find themselves in are brought upon them by themselves as well as forces outside them.
Though she has not achieved international renown like Vera, her contribution and her influence
is just as good as that of other female African writers like Nigerian writers Buchi Emecheta, Flora Nwapa and Ghanaian, Amma
Atta Aidoo. She is an important female writer in that she is an inspiration to young female aspiring writer. And that is a
role of importance especially in Matabeleland where, as much as it is the melting pot of
cultures and artistic talent, there are few writers.
She is also important considering her work in the children’s literature field. In
fact that is where most of her importance lies. The area of children’s literature is widely neglected and at times ignored
in Africa, so Makhalisa’s work in the genre is very important in that she is becoming
part of the children’s early socialization.
