Luanda – The opening of a book fair on Monday in Luanda marked the centenary of the birth of Angolan writer Uanhenga Xitu, to be celebrated on Thursday 29 August.
The six-day event, entitled “The centenary of Uanhenga Xitu”, is organised by the Mayamba publishing house and aims to pay tribute to the writer by disseminating his thoughts to readers, especially the younger generations.
Speaking to ANGOP, the Mayamba sales manager, Albino Muhongo, emphasised Uanhenga Xitu's contribution to the development of Angolan literature.
“Uanhenga Xitu's writings have a great impact on Angolan society today, because his literary thoughts are in common with the reality of the Angolan people”, he emphasised.
According to him, the fair is an opportunity for readers to continue studying the writer's legacy.
“The fair allows readers to learn more about Angolan literature, in particular the ideas of this writer, thinker and humanist of Africa and of the world”, he added.
Uanhenga Xitu is the literary pseudonym of Agostinho André Mendes de Carvalho. He was born on 29 August 1924 in the commune of Calomboloca, in the municipality of lcolo and Bengo, Luanda province.
He was a doctor and carried out clandestine political activities for Angolan independence and was imprisoned by the International and State Defense Police (PIDE).
During his time in prison, he began to write his stories and, after his release, he continued his political activity.
At the time of Angola's independence, Uanhenga Xitu was Minister of Health, Provincial Commissioner of Luanda and Ambassador of the People' s Republic of Angola to Germany.
He was also a member of parliament for the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and a member of the same party's Main Committee until 1998. Uanhenga Xitu was a member of the Union of Angolan Writers (UEA). AB/MCN/MRA/DOJ
