On a quiet Saturday morning, 10 August 2025, the Pondoland Times office in Bizana became the stage for a moving conversation with Onela Mndiyata, a young author from Gumzana village whose journey into writing is as heartfelt as the verses she creates. Raised by a single mother in a home where love was abundant but resources scarce, Onela’s path to authorship has been one of resilience, faith, and unwavering determination.
Onela’s love for words began in primary school, where she poured her imagination into classroom essays. Her gift, however, was not immediately something she considered a calling. It was only after moving to Johannesburg and meeting other writers through her cousin that she began to think more seriously about her craft. Her turning point came at AD Tshayingcwa, when her Life Orientation teacher, Mrs. Nogwina, read her poems and offered life-changing encouragement: “This is great talent — you could publish a book.” Mrs. Nogwina not only supported her emotionally but also helped financially. Before leaving to take up a principal’s position at another school, she entrusted Onela’s mentorship to Mr. Ndayeni, who, along with Principal Mr. Nombaca, remains a guiding light in her literary journey.
15-Year-Old Mbizana Author Pens Powerful Poetry Book, Calls for Support to Expand Her Voice
Her debut collection of poems focused on love — a subject she felt many seek but often fail to find. One standout piece, “True Love, Where Are You,” was inspired by her own reflections, noting that even within families, love can sometimes feel elusive. That poem led her to perform on stage at an O.R. Tambo commemorative event, where she earned second place, a trophy, and medals. Performing was a different challenge from writing — especially at church, where she was told moments before going on stage that she could not use her prepared notes. Nervous but determined, she performed from memory, once again securing second place.
Growing up, her mother sustained the family by selling goods and relying on a social grant. Their one-room home, though filled with love, presented real hardships — particularly when the roof leaked during the rain, forcing Onela to protect her manuscripts from water damage. Her greatest motivation is to build her mother a proper house. “My child, build me a house when you grow up,” her mother often tells her. It’s a promise she carries in her heart with every poem she writes.
For Onela, success also means surrounding herself with people who lift her higher. She values friends like Limise Qokozo, who motivates her, offers honest criticism, and helps keep her grounded. She believes that being around positive influences shapes better decisions, and she holds firmly to her Christian faith as a moral compass. Onela’s work is deeply personal, often mirroring her own life experiences. She writes for a broad audience — from poetry to short stories, and now exploring novels. Her upcoming novel tackles the harrowing subject of child abuse, delivering the message that victims must leave abusive environments and that women should strive for independence.
“Even if you are a mother, do not rely on someone who mistreats you. Learn to stand on your own and be proud of something you achieved by yourself,” she says.
She also advocates for schools to include more practical subjects such as drama, fashion design, and crafts. In her view, these skills are essential in a country where job opportunities are limited, giving young people tools to create their own livelihoods. One of her biggest hurdles remains financial. Sponsorship is hard to come by, and self-publishing demands funds she often struggles to raise. Yet her focus remains on inspiring young people to recognise and use their talents fully.
For Onela Mndiyata, every word she writes is both a step toward her own dreams and a beacon for others to follow. From Gumzana’s dusty paths to literary aspirations that span beyond Bizana, her story is a reminder that talent, when nurtured with perseverance and heart, can break through any barrier.
