ABOUT
THE BOOK

2020 Longlist

With her sister, Fikile, dead from breast cancer, her father long gone, her mother emerging from years of slumber, and her younger brother, Mbuso, consumed with rage that refuses to settle, Anele Mbuza has no choice but to collect herself and grow up. Or does she? Because, if truth be told, she has not signed up to be her family’s caretaker. Surely her dreams are valid? The Ones with Purpose is a remarkable story of family, disappointment, sacrifice, forgiveness, and love.

About the Author

Nozizwe Cynthia Jele is a South African novelist. Her debut novel, Happiness is a Four-Letter Word won the 2011 Commonwealth Writers Prize in the Best First Book category (Africa region) and the 2011 M-Net Literary Award in the Film category. Nozizwe also writes short stories.

Librarian’s Comments

The Ones with Purpose by Nozizwe Cynthia Jele captures the sense of family life in an African township replete with the dodgy uncles, sarcastic aunts and very present neighbours. It’s an honest, raw glimpse into grief, betrayal, poverty, love and ultimately the power of the human spirit. Prepare for some great storytelling in unpretentious but moving prose. City of Cape Town Library and Information Services, South Africa