Thekgang Talking Podcast

What happens when reading becomes something we do together? In this episode of Thekgang Talking , Lorraine speaks to Paige about the experience of shared reading and the ways books can create opportunities for connection, conversation and discovery. Beyond the Book: The Magic of Reading Together considers what happens around a book as much as what happens inside it. Reading together can create mom...

What happens when a book does more than tell a story? In this episode of Thekgang Talking , Karabo Kgoleng speaks to Barbara Adair about Books That Move Us Literally: An Alternative Lexicon — exploring literature beyond the conventional boundaries of the book and considering the different ways stories, texts and literary experiences can move us. The conversation forms part of Thekgang Talking's ex...

Young adult readers need literature that speaks to their experiences, their imagination and their language. In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Tirelo Makgeledisa and Tuelo Gabonewe explore the writing of young adult literature in Setswana and the role such literature can play in developing young readers and strengthening the language's place within contemporary publishing. The conversation looks...

What happens when literature is written to be performed? In this episode of Thekgang Talking , S'fundo W Sosibo and Andi Mgibantaba explore the role of plays and playwriting within South African literature. The conversation considers drama as both a literary form and a live art, looking at the distinctive relationship between playwright, text, actor and audience. It asks us to consider where plays...

Reading is one of the most powerful tools for education, imagination and social development. It becomes even more meaningful when it begins in a language that feels familiar and lived. In this episode of Thekgang Talking , Kabelo Kgatea and Lorato Trok discuss the role of mother-tongue literacy in building a stronger reading culture across South Africa. Together, they explore the importance of ind...

Multilingualism in Children's Literature, where every child hears their story - their language. Language is often the first bridge between a child and a story. In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Bobo Lukhele and Upile Bongco explore the importance of multilingualism in children's literature and the role publishers play in ensuring that every child can experience books in the language that speaks...

Margins and Metaphors: Poetry at the fringes What does it mean to write from the margins? In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Flow Wellington joins Karabo Kgoleng to explore poetry as a literary form that documents experience, questions convention and gives expression to voices that have historically been overlooked. The conversation reflects on the role of metaphor in poetry, the importance of l...

Colour Your World: An Exploration of Children's Literature in Afrikaans   Children's books do far more than entertain. They introduce young readers to language, imagination, empathy and discovery. In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Terry-Ann Adams speaks to bestselling author Jaco Jacobs about children's literature in Afrikaans and its role in developing confident readers and nurturing a cu...

Books that move us: Exploring how spatial planning and space influence our stories Stories emerge from places. In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Tonderai Chiyindiko and Solam Mkhabela explore the relationship between literature, space and spatial planning, reflecting on how the environments we inhabit influence the stories we tell and the identities we construct. The conversation considers how...

Colour Your World: Publishing in Mother Tongue – isiXhosa and siSwati. Mother-tongue publishing plays a vital role in literacy development, cultural preservation and identity formation. In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Bobo Lukehele speaks to Yamkela Tywakadi about publishing in isiXhosa and siSwati, and the importance of ensuring that readers have access to stories in the languages they under...

From text to graphics: Alternative lexicons and graphic novels Graphic novels are changing how readers engage with stories. In this episode of Thekgang Talking , Karabo Kgoleng speaks to Siya Masuku of Siyafunda Online and Ziyaad Aliwali of Aliwali Comics about graphic novels, visual storytelling and the idea of alternative literary lexicons. The conversation explores how images and text work toge...

Publishing, translation and adaptation: Taking a seat at the book value-chain table Books do not exist in isolation. They are part of a larger ecosystem that includes publishing, translation, adaptation, rights management, distribution and audience development. In this episode of Thekgang Talking , Karabo Kgoleng speaks to Nozizwe Jele about the importance of understanding the full book value chai...

In this episode of Thekgang Talking , Mofokeng and Moleleki explore writing and publishing in Sesotho for young readers. The conversation reflects on the importance of indigenous language literature in shaping literacy, imagination and identity, particularly for children and youth audiences. From representation and accessibility to publishing challenges and reading culture, the episode highlights...

In this episode of Thekgang Talking , Karabo Kgoleng speaks to Siphokazi Jonas about adapting books into audiobooks and the growing role of audio in contemporary publishing. The conversation explores the craft of audiobook production, including voice, pacing, interpretation and performance, while reflecting on how listening reshapes the experience of storytelling. The episode also considers the re...

Literature that literally moves us and alternative lexicons… but alternative to what? In this episode of Thekgang Talking , Karabo Kgoleng speaks to Dr Sipho Sithole about literature, language and the politics of cultural legitimacy. The conversation explores the idea of “alternative lexicons” and questions the systems that define what is considered mainstream, standard or marginal within literatu...

Children’s books play a foundational role in shaping imagination, identity and early literacy. In this episode of Thekgang Talking , Lorraine Sithole and Refilwe Moahloli explore how language influences the way children experience stories, with a focus on the importance of books in multiple languages. The conversation highlights the need for accessible, representative and engaging children’s liter...

In this episode of Thekgang Talking , Lorato Trok and Tuelo Gabonewe explore the preservation of the Setswana language through writing and publishing. The conversation focuses on language as identity, writing as a tool for preservation, and the importance of building systems that support indigenous literature. Released in the period following Freedom Day, the episode also sits within a broader mom...

Freedom Month invites reflection not only on political history, but on cultural and intellectual freedom. In this episode of Thekgang Talking , Vonani Bila and Given Mukwevho explore writing and publishing in indigenous South African languages, with a focus on access, ownership, and sustainability. As we mark World Book and Copyright Day (23 April), World Intellectual Property Day (26 April), and...

Writing and publishing in indigenous languages are vital acts of cultural preservation and intellectual sovereignty. They transform spoken heritage into lasting records, ensuring that stories, knowledge, and identity are passed on to future generations. In this episode of Thekgang Talking , we are joined by Ayanda Xaba, an award-winning self-published author, and Nathi Oliphant, a seasoned journal...