Dutywa pupil, 16, publishes her first isiXhosa book

Sixteen-year-old Akahlulwa Ncokazi, from the rural village of Qorha near Dutywa, has published her first isiXhosa book,LIPHUPHA LAM ELI, released in January. Akahlulwa, who was raised by her grandmother, said her interest in writing began at an early age, alongside a growing curiosity about how society and the economy had changed over time. She hopes to one day pursue a career in economics to better understand issues affecting the country.

She said she wanted to “understand issues such as taxes, currency changes and economic decision-making in her country”. At school, Akahlulwa showed an early interest in isiXhosa writing, something her teachers encouraged. “My teachers would always applaud my work in grade 3 after being asked to write stories about ourselves, asking where did I get such deeper language at my age.

“I remember very well that in grade 5, I got an award of excelling in isiXhosa with 100%. “My teachers knew that if there were short stories or anything related to isiXhosa, I would do that without fail as they recognised my passion,” she said. Her decision to write a book was influenced by established isiXhosa writers, including poet, news producer and television bulletin reader Lilitha Ntsundwani, whose bookUkubetha Kwentliziyoshe read, as well as poet Lizile Sentiwe.

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“I love how they use the language and they inspired me to push myself to my full potential of writing a book,” Akahlulwa said. Her debut book,LIPHUPHA LAM ELI, tells the story of a young girl who dreams of becoming a medical doctor. Akahlulwa said the title reflected the central theme of aspiration and perseverance.

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