The National Library of South Africa proudly hosted the launch of the DBZ Ntuli Foundation at the NLSA Pretoria Campus on 5 September 2025. Professor DBZ Ntuli is a renowned South African writer, scholar, translator and isiZulu literature giant known for the classic novel, uBheka.

On behalf of the NLSA board, Mr Siyabonga Masuku lauded Professor Ntuli as an esteemed academic who has inspired future generations. “Professor Ntuli is not just a writer and academic. He is a custodian of culture, an advocate for the preservation of indigenous languages, and a voice that speaks to the heart of our nation’s identity. His works have shaped discourse and deepened our sense of identity as a society, it has inspired people and will continue to inspire future generations”.

The highlight of the event was the donation of some items for preservation purposes to the NLSA, namely the typewriter used to write the classics, including uBheka, one of the trophies and a handwritten manuscript by the late father of Professor DBZ Ntuli. These artefacts are not only symbols of his personal journey but also invaluable pieces of our national memory.

The preservation of these treasured items within the NLSA’s collections ensures that they will be accessible to scholars, students, and the public for generations to come. This collaboration between the DBZ Ntuli Foundation and the NLSA is firmly aligned with our mandate to collect, preserve, and make accessible the South African documentary heritage to all citizens.