Nomawele Njongo’s publication produces 25 short story writers

Author and founder of KwaziThina Publishers and Africa Teen Authors Book Initiative, Esigela SA Learners Book Initiative, Nomawele Njongo published 25 short stories of learners from Toli Senior Secondary School. The short stories entail narratives of pupils’ struggles during the global pandemic in their respective rural communities.

The Lusikisiki-born woman has introduced the culture of writing and challenges teens to explore, their day-to-day experiences. This has birthed a well-written published masterpiece from learners called Surviving A Global Pandemic.

She said that she approached the school in April 2022, and immediately sparked interest among pupils and educators of the Toli S. S. S.

Among the Toli Senior Secondary School pupils that contributed in the published story book called Surviving A Global Pandemic includes Ayeza Omega Mdingi, Sinothando Mkhosana, Ncebakazi Mgqwayiza, Siphesihle Mrwabane and others.

The pupils agree that it was the struggle being faced with Covid-19 and as well as adapting to new learning routines.

Ayeza said “comprehending that the pandemic caused great havoc is what inspired me to write my piece “

“I enjoyed writing my story as it allowed me to express my feelings. It reminded me of how crucially family is and I’m happy that I was granted the opportunity.” said Sinothando

Ncebakazi said “My writing mainly pondered on the survival instincts during the pandemic which meant respecting the protocols established. Keeping a positive mind-set, having lived and survived has shown me that nothing may stand in my way.”

“My piece explored the new reality of anti-socialism that I experienced. As restrictions were lowered, I was excited to go back to school and seeing my friends. Fear loomed as I had to respect the social distance to avoid contact and spread of the virus.” Said Siphesihle

The 37-year-old woman, is a mother of two children, Kwazi and Thina Njongo, the pair are published authors. Kwazi wrote his first book at 13 years titled Memoirs of A Teen, a true story about his academic journey. Thina was 15 when he wrote his first  book called Wars Within, which reflect on the teens constant challenges growing up.

Nomawele is an author of a well-known book called Abortion by the Womb of Democracy.

KwaziThina Publishers and Africa Teen Authors Book Initiative first writing project called African Teen Soul is in collaboration with 5 countries in Africa, which are Ghana, Nigeria, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa and in Series no two called African Teen Soul on Social Media Impact has added two countries such as Kenya and Eswatini. She stills hopes to grow and expand in the sphere of mentoring and publishing young writers.

She works remotely with well-established individuals who possess educational skills and experiences. Adjudicators came forward to provide assistance in Adjudication process and she has editors. This granted pupils’ stories an approved quality check and delivers both in South Africa and other African countries.

Nomawele hosted the first Annual Funda Mpondo Literacy Festival which encourages reading within the AmaMpondo people in September 2022. The initiative focuses on advancing storytelling culture and heritage. Participants came from, KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Bisho and surrounding towns as well as Lusikisiki residents including pupils from 6 schools. She said that she plans to host it next year and hopes to attract a bigger crowd.

Nomawele’s publication house has gained an international interest and individuals have reached out in hopes to receive assistance in order to publish their own books.

“The real voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” This is one of Nomawele’s famous quotes from her book called Enslaved Mind Liberty.

“We are currently working in building new collaborative initiatives with other organizations. We are planning to grow and expand throughout Africa and gives African teens a voice through storytelling.” She said.