Thekgang Talking Podcast

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...