Paarl writer Gaireyah Fredericks was at Cecil Road Primary, in Salt River, on Sunday, to promote her short story collection een voet innie kabr.

Written in Kaaps and the Cape Muslim vernacular, the book, the title of which can be translated to “one foot in the grave”, contains 21 fictional stories.

“The stories feature colourful characters of the Muslim community, and many stories give insight to traditions, cultures and practices,” said Ms Fredericks.

“Anyone who has ever worked with a Cape Muslim or has been in the presence of a Cape Muslim, they will recognise these colourful characters.”

Ms Fredericks has a Master’s degree in creative writing from Rhodes University. She has previously self-published 12 anthologies of poetry. They include Mettie maan gepla (2019), Hanne inni lig, voete oppie grond (2018) and Kaaps is Hollands (2016).

Salt River Heritage Society secretary general Waseela Laattoe Everson, who organised the event on behalf of the society, said: “Our society has a tradition of celebrating women of substance and tenacity.”

Ms Fredericks plans to release her next anthology, Vernacular?, at the end of the month, and she is raising funds to promote it at the Lankawe Writers festival in Malaysia at the end of October.

For copies of the works, email gaireyah.writes@gmail.com or call 081 438 8755.

At the book launch, from left, are Dayaan Petersen, Waseela Laattoe Everson, Nadia Agherdine, author, Gaireyah Fredericks, Leila Omar, Najma Mohamad, Annalisa Contrafatto, Lutfi Omar and Andrea Contrafatto.

Author Gaireyah Fredericks with Salt River senior Fatima Agherdine.

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Gaireyah opens window on Cape Muslim community