EW BLOG

Jen Thorpe is a writer, researcher and fiercest feminist. Jen has published three feminist essay collections and two novels. Her first novel, The Peculiars, was long-listed for the Sunday Times Fiction Prize and the Etisalat Fiction Prize. Jen’s latest novel is called The Fall released by Kwela Books. In this Q&A with EW Blog editor, Ezekiel Kekana, Jen reflects on writing The Fall, how the character of Thuli came about, her favourite local feminist writers, and a possible sequel of The Fall.

Andy Capostagno is a veteran sports commentator in South Africa. Capostagno has written four sports-based books and his latest book, Beast, which is an autobiography of Springbok legend Tendai Mtawarira was released last year by Pan MacMillan South Africa just before the Rugby World Cup in Japan. In this Q&A session with EW Blog editor, Capostagno talks about the writing process of the book, how Beast got cold feet about the release date, and his take on Siya Kolisi/Jeremy Daniels autobiography saga.

Jamil F. Khan is a researcher, PhD Critical Diversity studies candidate, and columnist. He released his debut book called Khamr- the Making of a Waterslams. The book was published under Jacana Media and has been described by many as a groundbreaking memoir of the 21st century. In this Q&A session with EW Blog editor, Jamil speaks about the writing process of Khamr, tackling his family biggest source of shame, and his conscious use of the terms, Satan and god in the book.

Craig Higginson is an internationally acclaimed playwright and novelist who lives in Johannesburg. Craig has written seven novels and five plays. His new novel, The Book of Gifts, was released early this year under Pan MacMillian. In this exclusive interview, Dr Craig Higginson reflects on his latest book, character development in literature, and share some good advice with upcoming writers.

An all rounder’s book: from personal life, professional, relationships and being a Mandela. With or without being a Mandela this was such a good book to read and so relatable, especially as a South African women.

Become your own financial advisor by Warren Ingram

Gaongalelwe Tiro described himself as an avid reader, agnostic, stickler for social justice, and cosmology fanatic. In 2019, he released debut book in honour of the great icon Onkgopotse Tiro titled, Parcel of Death, the Biography of Onkgopotse Abram Tiro. In this Q&A with EW Blog editor, Ezekiel Kekana, Gaongalelwe reflects on the legacy of a man who was not only his uncle but a beacon of hope for many youths during apartheid years, writing the book and whether the democratic government has done enough in honour of a man who was called the ‘godfather’ of the 1976 student uprising.

Tafadzwa Z Taruvinga released his debut memoir titled, The Educated Waiter in 2019. Tafadzwa has a knack for literary, popular, and scholarly writing. He is also a corporate trainer with solid experience sharpened from delivering accredited courses within 50+ private and public sector organisations on the African continent. In this exclusive interview with EW Blog editor, Ezekiel Kekana, Tafadzwa reflects on his debut memoir, the plight of African immigrants in South Africa and he also shares good advice with young foreign African students studying in South Africa.

Relentless by Tim S. Grover

Esinako Ndabeni was born in Mthatha, Eastern Cape and she founded a blog called ‘Don’t Call Me Kaffir.” Her love for Kwaito music saw her and Sihle Mthembu co-writing a book called Born to Kwaito in 2018. In this exclusive interview with EW Blog editor, Esinako opens about her love for Kwaito music, her favourite Kwaito album of all-time and the role played by Kwaito women in changing society’s perception with the genre.

Desiree-Anne Martin is an author, poet, general word junkie and addictions counsellor. Desiree-Anne’s story, Delirium recently won first prize for the Arts24/Kwela short stories entry. The Cape Town-born author also released her searing and brutally honest memoir titled, We Don’t Talk About It, Ever two years back. In this Q&A with EW Blog editor, Desiree-Anne talks about what inspired her winning short story, Delirium, writing We Don’t Talk About It, Ever, and what feminism is to her. Desiree-Anne also has some good advice to young addicts.

Main lessons: let the main thing be the main thing! Seriously!

Learn to prioritize.
Cut on procrastination.
Manage your life.
It’s all about KISS- yes Keep It Simple and Smart.

Dr Nechama Brodie has worked as a journalist, editor, and publisher for over two decades. NR Brodie as she is affectionally known for her fiction works has published nine books thus far. Her latest book titled Three Bodies was published by Pan MacMillan in 2020 and continues to be warmly received across South Africa. In this exclusive interview with EW Blog editor, Dr Brodie talks about writing Three Bodies, which is a sequel to her previous novel, Knucklebone, violent crimes in South Africa and she also has a good advice to young aspiring authors

Lerato Mogoatlhe is a content strategist, writer, professional traveller. She released her debut memoir titled Vagabond-Wandering Through Africa on Faith under BookBird Books in 2019. In this exclusive Q&A with EW Blog editor, Madam Afrika touches on her travelling experiences in the five regions of the continent and shares her view on the afrophobic attitude of South Africans towards their African sisters and brothers among other issues.

Keletso Mopai is a South African storyteller who was born and raised in Lenyeye Township, Limpopo. Her debut book titled If You Keep Digging was released in 2019 by BlackBird Books. If you Keep Digging is a collection of Mopai’s stories that touches on numerous themes such as racism, colourism, mental illness and others. In this exclusive Q&A session with EW Blog editor, Keletso talks about her favourite story in the book, societal ills such as gender-based violence, and her favourite local authors.

Eva Mazza introduced herself into the South African literary industry with a riveting and scandalous debut novel titled Sex, Lies & Stellenbosch. The novel received much love from many South Africans and even the conservative Stellies residents managed to get a copy of the book.

Jackie Phamotse is a writer, businesswoman, social activist, and a creative mentor. Her debut novel BARE: The Blesser’s Game, was published in 2017 and was awarded the African Icon Literary Award in Lagos, Nigeria in 2018.

Busisekile Khumalo is a Zimbabwean-born writer who has caused a major storm in South Africa’s literary industry. Khumalo’s first novel titled The Harvard Wife dominated the book clubs in the country.

Fiona Snyckers is one of South Africa’s most celebrated writers and a role model to many aspiring writers. She has written seven books thus far, with Lacuna her last novel published by Pan MacMillian. In this week’s EW Blog Q&A session, the award-winning writer chats with our editor, Ezekiel Kekana about writing Lacuna, JM Coetzee and whether men should write books about subjects such as rape and feminism.

Sukoluhle Nyathi or Sue as she is affectionately known, is the most respected author from Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. She introduced herself to many South Africans with her riveting novel, The Polygamist. And ever since then, many South African readers have fallen in love with her writing. Her latest novel, The Gold Diggers, continues to be among the most celebrated and well-read book in South Africa.