Authors
Robin Malan
Robin Malan was a respected South African author, editor, and anthologist, widely known for his work on influential school and literature textbooks used across the country. He played a significant role in shaping South African classroom reading through carefully curated anthologies that foregrounded diverse voices and lived experiences. As the editor of the Siyagruva series, he was instrumental in developing dynamic, curriculum-aligned drama resources that made theatre accessible and relevant to young readers. His work championed performance, storytelling, and the enduring power of literature in education.
Prof. Russell Harold Kaschula
Russell H. Kaschula is a distinguished South African academic, author, and scholar in African Language Studies, having held senior research positions in forensic linguistics and multilingualism. He has published widely on language, literature, and sociolinguistics, while also contributing creatively to youth literature. As an author in the Siyagruva series — including titles such as Divine Dump Dancer and Flying High — he has helped bring culturally relevant, engaging stories to young South African readers. His work reflects a deep commitment to language, identity, and education within multilingual contexts.
Anne Schlebusch
Anne Schlebusch is no stranger to writing, having been a co-author of language textbooks and a curriculum guide. She has written three Young Adult novels, becoming a 1995 Joint Winner of the ‘Young Africa Award' with one of them. In 2020, her short story was long-listed in the Kwela Corona Competition. After completing her MPhil in Applied Language Studies (cum laude) at UCT in 1995, Anne left teaching to join the Western Cape Education Department, and concluded her long and illustrious career with a decade as Director for Business Strategy: Source: Franschoek Literary Festival Website
Ian Fritz
Ian Fritz has spent the bulk of his adult life outside of South Africa, but currently calls Cape Town home. After a short stint in the UK, he spent 4 years volunteering at a community development project in Brazil. Thereafter, he moved to Taiwan, where he not only completed his BA in journalism and MA in applied linguistics, but also taught English to a wide range of students. Ian is passionate about education and empowering people to reach their potential. He presently works as a freelance academic editor.
Karen Jeynes
Whether in the form of novels, short stories, or plays, Karen Jeynes' work is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the craft of writing. Her ability to capture the essence of the human experience and translate it into compelling narratives is a gift that continues to resonate with readers, leaving an indelible imprint on hearts and minds alike. Some of her most famous plays include multi-award-winning Everybody Else (is F*cking Perfect) (Best Comedy 2005), "Kiss Kiss", "I’ll Have What She’s Having", and "Laying Blame" (translated into 7 languages), as well as Vaslav, nominated for 3 Fleur du Cap Awards. She served as head writer for 90 Plein Street, as well as writing for shows like "Thabang Thabong", "Vaya Mzansi", "Moferefere Lenyalong" and "Supastrikas". She worked with Kyknet as a mentor on their Grapkas project, is a juror for the International Emmys’ Peter Ustinov Award, and is an evaluator for the KZN Film Commission and the NFVF.
Nokuthula Mazibuko Msimang
Nokuthula Mazibuko Msimang is an accomplished wordsmith whose literary creations transport readers to richly textured worlds that resonate with depth and emotion. Dr NM Msimang is a writer, academic, producer and broadcaster who holds degrees from the University of Cape Town (UCT), the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and has a PhD in African Literature from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). DR NM Msimang is also the Director of Special Projects and Fundraising for PUKU. Drawing from her diverse experiences and keen observations, she masterfully crafts stories that both challenge and comfort, inviting readers to contemplate universal themes through a unique and thought-provoking lens.
Duane Jethro
Dr. Duane Jethro: A brilliant mind navigating the intricate realms of culture, heritage, and human interactions. With a unique blend of scholarly insight and creative finesse, Duane Jethro crafts narratives that seamlessly weave together the threads of history and contemporary society. His academic career at the University of Cape Town spanned work in the Department of Religious Studies, the Department of Psychology, the Archive and Public Culture Research Unit affiliated to the Department of Historical Studies. His Doctorate was achieved at the University of Utrecht. He served a two-year Fellowship at Humboldt University, Berlin. He is now a post-doctoral researcher at the Centre for Anthropological Research on Museums and Heritage, in the Institute for European Ethnology at Humboldt University. Quite a journey!
Xolisa Guzula
Xolisa Guzula is a South African literacy scholar, educator, and author who works to promote multilingual education and children’s reading in African languages. She is a lecturer at the University of Cape Town and is widely involved in community literacy initiatives that support young readers and writers. Her work focuses on creating inclusive stories and learning materials that reflect the languages and experiences of South African children.
Clive Smith
Clive Smith grew up on the Cape Flats. He started his creative journey as a writer and a sculptor. Upon being discovered by his Afrikaans teacher in High School, he plunged into the writing/publishing world from very early on. With many titles under his belt in both English and Afrikaans, he moonlighted as a journalist for newspapers and magazines. It was not long before he discovered radio, and hosted a show for over 14 years. As a DJ and a musician, his love for music and people was evident. These days, he can be found mentoring young writers in the Karoo and doing community upliftment work. His passion and his NPO’s drive for building sustainable and affordable community-led housing fill his days.
Busisiwe Pakade
Busisiwe Pakade is a South African writer, storyteller, and literacy advocate. She has worked with the reading-for-enjoyment campaign Nal’ibali, where she contributed to developing and sharing children’s stories that encourage a love of reading in South African languages. Through her writing and literacy work, she is committed to creating engaging stories that inspire young readers and support children’s access to books and storytelling.
Colleen Moroukian
Colleen Moroukian was a South African writer and editor who contributed to youth literature and educational publishing. She was one of the original contributors to the Siyagruva series and the author of Breaking Out, a novel that explores the challenges and personal journeys of South African teenagers. Moroukian also collaborated on educational and dramatic publications, including collections of plays for schools. Her work continues to engage young readers and support classroom reading.
Nkuli Sibeko
Nkuli Sibeko is recognised not only for her talents as an author, but also for her roles played as an actor in various SABC soaps. To date, she has won numerous SAFTA awards and continues to amaze her fans as an actress in drama roles. She has played a role in City Ses’la for four seasons, played in the second season of Society and starred as Zanele in It’s for Life on SABC 1. She was nominated twice for Best Achievement in Scriptwriting in the TV Comedy category for the series Kota Life Crisis and Puppet Nation ZA at the 2016 SAFTAs. For the script of Puppet Nation ZA, Sibeko was again nominated for Best Achievement in Scriptwriting at the 2017 SAFTA’s. Nkuli is also the executive producer at Jack&Jill Productions, where she produced the 2013 short film Lexus and the 2018 film Table Manners.
Andi Mgibantaka
After attending a number of primary schools, Andi was finally settled in Intlanganiso High School. His English teacher encouraged students to submit their writing to the annual anthology English Alive. Andisiwe had a poem published in his Grade 11 year, and again in his final year of school. Andi studied as a bookkeeper and in 2010 joined Junkets Publisher. In 2016, he became the owner and sole proprietor of this flourishing independent publishing house. He has co-authored two teen novels in the Siyagruva series. He lives with the mother of his two children, a daughter and a son.
Onele Mfeketo
is a South African writer whose work has appeared in youth and educational publications. As a university student, his writing was first published in the magazine English Alive.
Gaireyah Fredericks
Gaireyah Fredericks is a writer from Paarl who began her career in 2012. She’s published 12 collections, with early works earning Eugene Marais Literary Prize nominations. Her play Hanne innie lig, voete opi grond won "Best Script" at the DKAS Drama Festival. Gaireyah has received multiple awards, including the Neville Alexander Prestige Award and Honours at the McGregor Poetry Festival. In January 2024, she launched her debut mainstream collection, Een voet innie kabr, showcasing Cape Malay culture. Gaireyah currently shares the role of Cultural Advisor for the soap Suidooster and works part-time as a scriptwriter for the show. She also collaborates with the University of the Western Cape's Centre for Multilingualism and Diversities Research (CMDR) department on the Kaaps Bilingual Learning Materials Development Project, where she is currently translating the WCED curriculum into Kaaps.
Eeshaam September
Eeshaam September is a South African actor, writer, and voice artist with extensive experience in theatre, television, and film. A graduate of the University of Cape Town’s Drama Department, he has appeared in numerous stage productions and screen roles, earning recognition for his versatility and engaging performances. In addition to his work as a performer, he has contributed to youth literature and educational storytelling, bringing his passion for narrative and character to a wide range of audiences.