International Writers Association Appoints Dr. Geraldine Sinyuy As Cameroon Coordinator

 

INTERNATIONAL WRITERS ASSOCIATION APPOINTS GERALDINE SINYUY PhD AS CAMEROON COORDINATOR

 

The International Writers Association (IWA) has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Geraldine Sinyuy as the new Coordinator for its Cameroon Chapter.

This prestigious appointment was confirmed in a press statement issued by the Acting President of the Association, Wole Adedoyin.

Dr. Geraldine Sinyuy is a highly respected creative writer, educationist, researcher, editor, humanitarian, and eco-activist based in the North West Region of Cameroon. She holds a Ph.D. in Commonwealth Literature from the University of Yaoundé I and has been an active contributor to the global literary and academic community for several years.

Her literary journey began in her teenage years, with her poems and folktales regularly featured on CRTV Bamenda’s "Literary Workshop: A Programme for Creative Writing and Literary Criticism." Over the years, she has established herself as a multi-talented and passionate advocate for literature, social change, human rights, and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Sinyuy is affiliated with numerous prestigious organizations, including UNESCO-RIELA, Academia.edu, ResearchGate, and the International Human Rights Arts Movement (IHRAM), where she serves as the Director of its African Secretariat in Cameroon. In 2023, she was appointed an IHRAM Fellow and has also served as the chief judge for the WritingUkraine International Poetry Competition.

Beyond her academic and literary achievements, Dr. Sinyuy is a strong advocate for organic gardening and proper waste management. She is a World Pulse Digital Ambassador and a respected editor, serving as the critical book review editor at WordCity Literary Journal. In 2022, she founded The Rising Sun Editing Company Ltd, and in 2024, she became the editor for ASA (Journal of Education, Learning and Research). She also serves as an Editorial Adviser to The Journal of Cameroonian and Nigerian Writers League.

Her published works include Music in the Wood and Other Folktales (2023), Agonies of the Displaced (2024), and Poetry in Times of Conflict (as co-editor and contributing poet). She also co-edited Her Rights: Our Stories (2024) and contributed to Love Letters to Water (2022) alongside other anthologies. In 2017, she was a featured storyteller at World Pulse, and her short story, The Refugee’s Painting, earned her an Honorable Mention for the Creator of Justice Award in 2024, organized by IHRAM.

The International Writers Association noted that Dr. Sinyuy’s appointment is in recognition of her longstanding dedication to advancing literature, cultural advocacy, and human rights within Cameroon and beyond. Her leadership is expected to bring fresh momentum to the activities of the IWA Cameroon Chapter, particularly in empowering writers and fostering cross-cultural collaboration.

According to the Acting President, Wole Adedoyin, "Dr. Sinyuy’s impressive achievements and unwavering commitment to literary excellence make her the perfect choice to lead our efforts in Cameroon. We are confident that her leadership will significantly enhance the visibility and impact of the IWA in the region."

In her capacity as Coordinator, Dr. Sinyuy will be responsible for overseeing the chapter’s programs, coordinating events and workshops, and representing the association in various capacities at both national and international literary fora. The IWA Executive Committee has pledged its full support to her as she embarks on this new and important role.

With this appointment, the International Writers Association reaffirms its commitment to supporting outstanding literary figures and strengthening its presence across Africa, while promoting literature as a tool for human rights advocacy, cultural preservation, and social change.

 

International Writers Association Celebrates Prof. Wole Soyinka at 91

 

INTERNATIONAL WRITERS ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES PROF. WOLE SOYINKA AT 91

 

The International Writers Association (IWA) has joined millions of admirers across the globe in celebrating Africa’s literary icon, Prof. Wole Soyinka, on the occasion of his 91st birthday.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Acting President of the Association, Wole Adedoyin, on Friday in Ibadan.

According to the statement, the Association described Prof. Wole Soyinka as a beacon of hope, a defender of freedom, and a timeless voice in global literature whose works have shaped the literary and political landscapes of not only Nigeria but the entire African continent and beyond.

Wole Soyinka, a Nobel Laureate in Literature and the first African to be so honored, has remained a towering figure in world literature for over six decades. The Association praised his unwavering commitment to justice, his intellectual courage, and his dedication to the promotion of democratic ideals.

The IWA noted that Soyinka’s writings—ranging from plays, essays, poetry, to novels—continue to inspire writers across generations. His activism and literary genius have left an indelible mark on both the literary and human rights communities, and his influence remains as powerful today as ever.

“Prof. Wole Soyinka is not just a writer, he is a conscience keeper and cultural compass for many across the globe,” said Adedoyin. “His 91st birthday is not only a personal milestone but a celebration of excellence, resilience, and the enduring power of literature.”

The Association emphasized that Soyinka’s legacy continues to serve as a rallying point for writers, human rights defenders, and cultural activists, especially at a time when freedom of expression and creativity are under constant threat in many parts of the world.

As part of the celebrations, the International Writers Association encouraged literary organizations, cultural institutions, and schools to revisit and promote Soyinka’s works, urging the younger generation to draw strength from his writings and commitment to social justice.

The statement also called on governments, literary bodies, and educational institutions to immortalize the legacy of Prof. Wole Soyinka by incorporating his works more deeply into national curriculums and supporting platforms that uphold literary excellence and freedom of expression.

The International Writers Association concluded by wishing Prof. Wole Soyinka more years in good health, continued inspiration, and fulfillment as he enters yet another chapter in his extraordinary journey as a writer, thinker, and global cultural ambassador.

 

International Writers Association Mourns the Tragic Loss of Young Iranian Poet, Parniya Abbasi

 

INTERNATIONAL WRITERS ASSOCIATION MOURNS THE TRAGIC LOSS OF YOUNG IRANIAN POET, PARNIYA ABBASI

 

The International Writers Association (IWA International) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic and untimely death of Parniya Abbasi, a promising young Iranian poet, who was killed along with her family during recent Israeli airstrikes on Tehran. The heartbreaking incident, which took place just days before Abbasi’s 24th birthday, has sent shockwaves through the global literary community.

In a press statement issued by the Acting President of the Association, Wole Adedoyin, the IWA condemned the senseless violence that claimed the life of Abbasi, her teenage brother, and their parents. Describing the loss as “irreparable,” Adedoyin noted that Abbasi's death has silenced a powerful poetic voice that was only beginning to find its full expression on the world stage.

Parniya Abbasi, known for her emotionally charged verses and passionate advocacy for peace, justice, and gender equality, had quickly gained recognition as one of the brightest literary talents in Iran’s new generation. Her poems often explored themes of love, sorrow, resistance, and identity, resonating deeply with readers both within and beyond the Iranian literary circles.

According to the statement, Abbasi had recently completed a manuscript for her first full-length poetry collection, which was scheduled for publication later this year. The IWA noted with profound grief that her words—born of personal and collective struggle—may now serve as her lasting legacy in a world she tried to heal with language.

The Association called on the international community to recognize the devastating human toll of military conflicts, particularly on vulnerable populations including artists, writers, and children. “War does not just destroy buildings—it extinguishes dreams, silences songs, and ends lives that hold the promise of change,” the statement read.

Wole Adedoyin also urged fellow writers, poets, and publishers around the world to honor Abbasi’s memory by continuing to advocate for peace and by promoting the literary works of young, marginalized voices—especially those living in regions plagued by violence and oppression.

The IWA further extended its heartfelt condolences to Abbasi’s relatives, friends, and the entire Iranian literary community. “The death of a poet is the death of a dreamer. Parniya’s flame may have been extinguished, but her light will continue to shine through her verses,” Adedoyin added.

As the literary world mourns this devastating loss, the Association reaffirmed its commitment to standing with writers in conflict zones, and to preserving the sanctity of creative expression even in the face of war.

The International Writers Association calls for an immediate end to attacks on civilians and reiterates the urgent need for dialogue, peace, and international solidarity to protect human lives and cultural voices at risk.

 

International Writers Association Mourns Ngũgĩ Wa Thiong’o

 

INTERNATIONAL WRITERS ASSOCIATION MOURNS NGŨGĨ WA THIONG’O

 

The International Writers Association (IWA) has expressed profound grief over the passing of globally celebrated Kenyan writer and thinker, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o. The revered literary icon, whose works spanned decades of intellectual, cultural, and political resistance, passed away leaving behind an unmatched legacy of courage, creativity, and commitment to African liberation through literature.

In a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, Acting President of the International Writers Association, the Association described Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o as a fearless literary revolutionary who redefined the place of language, identity, and decolonization in African literature. “Ngũgĩ was more than a writer—he was a movement, a conscience, and a symbol of intellectual independence for Africa,” the statement read.

Born in 1938 in colonial Kenya, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o emerged as one of Africa’s most influential literary figures. His novels, essays, plays, and academic work explored themes of oppression, resistance, language, and cultural identity. From Weep Not, Child to Decolonising the Mind, his works inspired generations of writers, students, and political activists around the world.

Ngũgĩ’s decision to abandon writing in English in favour of his native Gikuyu marked a bold and transformative moment in African literature. His belief that African writers should express themselves in African languages challenged the postcolonial literary establishment and emphasized the importance of cultural self-determination.

“The International Writers Association acknowledged with reverence the courage Ngũgĩ displayed in choosing prison over silence and exile over compromise. He showed us all that the pen can indeed be mightier than the sword,” Wole Adedoyin noted. Ngũgĩ’s imprisonment in the late 1970s and subsequent exile did not dampen his literary fire; instead, it strengthened his resolve to use writing as a tool for truth and transformation.

Throughout his lifetime, Ngũgĩ received numerous awards and honorary doctorates in recognition of his contributions to literature and human rights. Yet, he remained grounded in the African cause, often stating that he wrote not for glory but to amplify the struggles and hopes of ordinary people.

The International Writers Association urged young and emerging writers to study Ngũgĩ’s works and follow his example of purposeful and principled writing. His life reminds us that literature is not only about aesthetics but also about advocacy, agency, and action. He taught us that language is a vessel of power and memory and that every writer has a role in shaping the destiny of their society.

As the world mourns the passing of this literary titan, the International Writers Association called for a renewed commitment to the ideals Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o lived for—cultural pride, linguistic liberation, and fearless storytelling. His voice may be silent, but his words will forever echo in the halls of history and hearts of readers.

Complete Works of Athol Fugard

 

COMPLETE WORKS OF ATHOL FUGARD

 

For those encountering Athol Fugard for the first time, here is an introduction to his remarkable body of work. Athol Fugard (OIS, HonFRSL) was born on June 11, 1932, and passed away on March 8, 2025. A South African playwright, novelist, actor, and director, Fugard is widely regarded as South Africa’s greatest playwright. In 1985, Time magazine hailed him as "the greatest active playwright in the English-speaking world."

Throughout his illustrious career, Fugard published over thirty plays, gaining international acclaim for his profound impact on theater and his ability to address the complex social and political issues of his time. His works remain a testament to his mastery of storytelling and his unwavering commitment to human rights, justice, and the struggles of oppressed peoples.

Below is a comprehensive list of his complete works, as compiled by the International Writers Association (IWA International):

1. Klaas and the Devil (1956)
2. The Cell (1957)
3. No-Good Friday (1958)
4. Non-Gogo (1959)
5. The Blood Knot (1961); later revised and entitled Blood Knot (1987)
6. Hello and Goodbye (1965)
7. The Coat (1966)
8. People Are Living There (1968)
9. The Last Bus (1969)
10. Boesman and Lena (1969)
11. Friday's Bread on Monday (1970)
12. Sizwe Banzi Is Dead (1972) (developed with John Kani, and Winston Ntshona in workshops)
13. The Island (1972) (developed with John Kani, and Winston Ntshona in workshops)
14. Statements After an Arrest Under the Immorality Act (1972)
15. Dimetos (1975)
16. Orestes (1978)
17. A Lesson from Aloes (1978)
18. The Drummer (1980)
19. "Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)
20. The Road to Mecca (1984)
21. A Place with the Pigs: a personal parable (1987)
22. My Children! My Africa! (1989)
23. My Life (1992)
24. Playland (1993)
25. Valley Song (1996)
26. The Captain's Tiger: a memoir for the stage (1997)
27. Sorrows and Rejoicings (2001)
28. Exits and Entrances (2004)
29. Booitjie and the Oubaas (2006)
30. Victory (2007)
31. Coming Home (2009)
32. Have You Seen Us (2009)
33. The Train Driver (2010)
34. The Shadow of the Hummingbird (2014)
35. The Painted Rocks at Revolver Creek (2016)
36. Concerning the Life of Babyboy Kleintjies (2022) (co-written with Paula Fourie)

Here is the arranged bibliography in chronological order:

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Statements: [Three Plays]
   Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press (OUP), 1974. ISBN 0-19-211385-2 (10). ISBN 978-0-19-211385-6 (13). ISBN 0-19-281170-3 (10). ISBN 978-0-19-281170-7 (13).
   (Co-authored with John Kani and Winston Ntshona)
2. Three Port Elizabeth Plays: Blood Knot; Hello and Goodbye; and Boesman and Lena
   Oxford and New York, 1974. ISBN 0-19-211366-6.
3. Sizwe Bansi Is Dead and The Island
   New York: Viking Press, 1976. ISBN 0-670-64784-5.
4. Dimetos and Two Early Plays
   Oxford and New York: OUP, 1977. ISBN 0-19-211390-9.
5. Boesman and Lena and Other Plays
   Oxford and New York: OUP, 1980. ISBN 0-19-570197-6.
6. Selected Plays of Fugard: Notes. Ed. Dennis Walder
   London: Longman, 1980. Beirut: York Press, 1980. ISBN 0-582-78129-9.
7. Tsotsi: a novel
   New York: Random House, 1980. ISBN 978-0-394-51384-3.
8. A Lesson from Aloes: A Play
   Oxford and New York: OUP, 1981.
9. Marigolds in August
   A.D. Donker, 1982. ISBN 0-86852-008-X.
10. Boesman and Lena
    Oxford and New York: OUP, 1983. ISBN 0-19-570331-6.
11. People Are Living There
    Oxford and New York: OUP, 1983. ISBN 0-19-570332-4.
12. "Master Harold"...and the Boys
    New York and London: Penguin, 1984. ISBN 0-14-048187-7.
13. Notebooks 1960–1977
    New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1984. ISBN 0-394-53755-6.
14. The Road to Mecca: A Play in Two Acts
    London: Faber and Faber, 1985. ISBN 0-571-13691-5.
    (Suggested by the life and work of Helen Martins of New Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa.)
15. Selected Plays
    Oxford and New York: OUP, 1987. ISBN 0-19-281929-1.
    (Includes: "Master Harold"...and the Boys; Blood Knot (new version); Hello and Goodbye; Boesman and Lena.)
16. A Place with the Pigs: a personal parable
    London: Faber and Faber, 1988. ISBN 0-571-15114-0.
17. My Children! My Africa! and Selected Shorter Plays
    Ed. and introd. Stephen Gray. Johannesburg: Witwatersrand UP, 1990. ISBN 1-86814-117-9.
18. Blood Knot and Other Plays
    New York: Theatre Communications Group, 1991. ISBN 1-55936-019-4.
19. Playland and Other Worlds
    Johannesburg: University of the Witwatersrand UP, 1992. ISBN 1-86814-219-1.
20. The Township Plays. Ed. and introd. Dennis Walder
    Oxford and New York: Oxford UP, 1993. ISBN 0-19-282925-4 (10). ISBN 978-0-19-282925-2 (13).
    (Includes: No-good Friday, Nongogo, The Coat, Sizwe Bansi Is Dead, and The Island.)
21. Cousins: A Memoir
    Johannesburg: Witwatersrand UP, 1994. ISBN 1-86814-278-7.
22. Hello and Goodbye
    Oxford and New York: OUP, 1994. ISBN 0-19-571099-1.
23. Valley Song
    London: Faber and Faber, 1996. ISBN 0-571-17908-8.
24. The Captain's Tiger: A Memoir for the Stage
    Johannesburg: Witwatersrand University Press, 1997. ISBN 1-86814-324-4.
25. Athol Fugard: Plays
    London: Faber and Faber, 1998. ISBN 0-571-19093-6.
26. Interior Plays
    Oxford and New York: OUP, 2000. ISBN 0-19-288035-7.
27. Port Elizabeth Plays
    Oxford and New York: OUP, 2000. ISBN 0-19-282529-1.
28. Sorrows and Rejoicings
    New York: Theatre Communications Group, 2002. ISBN 1-55936-208-1.
29. Exits and Entrances
    New York: Dramatists Play Service, 2004. ISBN 0-8222-2041-5.

CO-AUTHORED WITH JOHN KANI AND WINSTON NTSHONA

1. Statements: [Three Plays]
   1974. By Athol Fugard, John Kani, and Winston Ntshona. Rev. ed. Oxford and New York: OUP, 1978. ISBN 0-19-281170-3 (10). ISBN 978-0-19-281170-7 (13).
   ("Two workshop productions devised by Athol Fugard, John Kani, and Winston Ntshona, and a new play"; includes: Sizwe Bansi Is Dead and The Island, and Statements After an Arrest Under the Immorality Act.)

CO-AUTHORED WITH ROSS DEVENISH

1. The Guest: an episode in the life of Eugene Marais
   By Athol Fugard and Ross Devenish. Craighall: A. D. Donker, 1977. ISBN 0-949937-36-3.
   (Die besoeker: 'n episode in die lewe van Eugene Marais. Trans. into Afrikaans by Wilma Stockenstrom. Craighall: A. D. Donker, 1977. ISBN 0-949937-43-6.)

FILMOGRAPHY

Films adapted from Fugard's plays and novel

1. Boesman and Lena (1974), dir. Ross Devenish
2. The Guest: An Episode in the Life of Eugene Marais (1977)
3. Marigolds in August (1980), dir. Ross Devenish
4. "Master Harold"...and the Boys (1984), TV movie, dir. Michael Lindsay-Hogg, first broadcast on Showtime
5. The Road to Mecca (1991), co-dir. by Fugard and Peter Goldsmid (screen adapt.)
6. Boesman and Lena (2000), dir. John Berry
7. Tsotsi (2005), screen adapt. and dir. Gavin Hood; 2005 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film
8. "Master Harold"...and the Boys (2010), dir. Lonny Price

FILM ROLES

1. Boesman and Lena (1974) as Boesman
2. The Guest: An Episode in the Life of Eugene Marais (1977) as Eugène Marais
3. Meetings with Remarkable Men (1979) as Professor Skridlov
4. Marigolds in August (1980) as Paulus Olifant
5. Gandhi (1982) as General Jan Smuts
6. The Killing Fields (1984) as Doctor Sundesval
7. The Road to Mecca (1991) as Reverend Marius Byleveld