Journalists in their quest for information for deadline-driven stories leave out much more than they put into their 450+ words stories. These answers from Jakes Gerwel Foundation writers to questions from a Weekend Argus journalist are so insightful that it needed to find its place.
I am Theolla Langenhoven and I was chosen for the Kommadagga 2020 Workshop for short prose.
What does it mean to be part of this remarkable initiative and what did it take to get through?
It was a dream come true especially since finishing matric years ago, I did not study towards a relevant degree that would assist me with my creative writing. Being chosen and ultimately mentored by Rachelle Greeff has taught me a lot and her guidance still plays off in my head
I submitted two short stories that not only showcase what is happening within our communities, but also gave a different perspective on people’s life choices or circumstances and hoped that the organiser (Theo Kemp) would see it that way. Smokkel virrie pot is basically telling the story of a mom that lost her job during the pandemic and now resorts to selling homemade beer to make ends meet. She ends up in court and having to face the magistrate (a former school friend) and the community for her ‘sins’. Normally, people will judge such a person, but if we think about it – that is how some people survived during the Apartheid years and even now. Not selling illegal liquor to become a millionaire, but just make enough money to survive from day-to-day. This short story was published in Kuier magazine.
What was your take home from it?
Firstly, to realise how an honour it was to be in the esteemed Prof Jakes Gerwels’ home. We would sit and admire the interior with all his photos; discuss it and be in awe of how well kept the premises is, enabled my creative juices for months to come. At times, when I need struggle to get into a ‘proper writing mood’ I relive how it was in the Paulet House’s garden and draw inspiration from that feeling. Living there, amongst his memories and rows upon rows of books was heaven! Prof’s hard work to fight for Afrikaans and even built connections overseas, will always be an encouragement for me to write in my language, because I felt and experienced his love for it.
Secondly, Rachelle’s, Theo Kemp’s and Melt Myburgh of Litnet’s guidance, support and motivation has a major impact in my writing and I still use the tips shared by these published authors. A simple tip for example to write in the active form instead of passive form; I forgot about that and now it is a constant on my mind when writing and makes me to be more aware of the rules of writing and if my Tesourus, Afrikaans Woordelys en Spelreëls don’t have what I need, I will research it as I was taught there.
Thirdly, I usually write in ‘suiwer’ Afrikaans. It took Rachelle a while to convince me to start writing as we speak in our communities. But since my parents taught us to speak ‘suiwer’ I really had to listen to her and realise that that is the way to go with Afrikaans. It is not how my kids and the other youth speak, thus I will loose my target audience if I continue to write that way. I admit that I struggled, but now it comes naturally.
Please tell me about your passion for creative work, your writings in general and where you see yourself in the next five years as an author?
As a late bloomer (I realised my love for creative writing again at the age of 32 ), I love the fact that I allow my personal experiences, my interaction as community activist and my observation of life in general to write as honest as possible. Initially, I was scared to share these honest pieces, but has now embraced my talent and see it as a gift to be able to share others’ stories and at the same time educate the youth on what is happening in their houses and around them.
Writing comes easy, somewhat natural for me, but at times I stand in awe of what came from within me. For example, my poem My pa die chameleon, explains the cycle of physical abuse of a child. I woke up one morning with it on my mind and since I was asked to submit a poem for the Ink Skryf Afrikaans’ poetry competition, I felt if it gets published in their book, it will be a good one to remind us that all is not always well behind others’ walls.
I am still submitting short stories to Kuier magazine for publication and with fingers crossed hope that it will always be good enough for their readers – as Kuier is one of the biggest female Afrikaans magazines in the Country.
Since residing at the Paulet House, I started writing poems – specifically focusing on social ills in our coloured communities, and somehow combined my activism with my writing. I am revising the said poems and would like to have it publish, as it was requested by some teachers from schools where I shared it as part of educating the youth.
I am one of 16 poets whose poem anthology will be launched in February 2023 and I foresee more collaborations with the award winning Poets Vannie Kaap group.
I submitted a short story anthology to Kwela Books and I’m waiting for feedback. I am now busy with another manuscript and hopefully will have it done later this year.
I share snippets of my writing every week to Radio Awakening and hope to continue this voluntary journey with them.
I wrote ±50 prayers for and it is being shared by Christian Literature Fund via social media platforms such as YouTube and TikTok and hope to have it published as a book within the next year or two.
I did a TEDx Talk in 2021, on Sexual Grooming: Are we ready to talk about it. Not a normal TED talk topic, therefore I was surprised when the UNISA team invited me to present it. I hope to create more writing material concentrating on GBV-topics to raise awareness and then make video clips to reach the youth that don’t like reading.
Why is it important that the public, especially the youth to take advantage of these opportunities?
I know that many parents don’t want their children to study Arts, because of the perception that there is a lack of jobs after completing their schooling years. Therefore, it is critical to encourage the youth to participate in such programmes. This will give them the opportunity to still write and learn at the same time and see whether they want a tertiary qualification in that direction or is it just a hobby.
It is important to have a mentor like Rachelle, who will honestly mentor you and provide you with that much needed guidance and it will also boost your confidence. Like myself, although my short stories were published in Kuier and friends and people that acknowledged me told my how good it was, I still doubted myself thinking that because I don’t have a journalism or Language-degree my work is not on par with others that do have it. The one-on-ones with Rachelle and the relationships I built with my fellow Kommadagga roomies, gave me the boost and newfound love for writing, but more specifically my mother tongue.
My writing has opened doors for guest speaking and workshop opportunities where I have to share my poems and raise awareness on GBV, youth development and other topics. If I had not attended the Kommadaga workshop, I would never have shared my piece on sexual grooming to be curated and ultimately stand on an international platform to educate others. I would not use my social media platforms to write for the public and raise awareness nor be able to share my writing journey with other ‘just as inexperienced and insecure’ writers to motivate them to start this magnificent journey of writing. It gave me the self-assurance to be a better and confident writer.
I am Audrey Jantjies – Upcoming Writers Mentorship program 2020
I am working on an article about this year’s Prof Jakes Gerwel’s commemoration and I wanted to request for your input since you’re mentioned as one of the beneficiaries of the Writer’s Programme.
Were it not for this initiative, I never would’ve met the remarkable people with me on the programme – I have made lifelong friends – people who think and talk like I do. Most importantly, I can add myself as a published author to the big ones on the table at Paulet House.
My book, As die Katjiepiering Blom, is one of the works that has been prescribed for MA Students at UCT recently.
What does it mean to be part of this remarkable initiative and what did it take to get through?
I became aware of the extraordinary supernova of a man Jakes Gerwel was. I keep looking out for tortoises on my travels – it reminds me of Professor Gerwel. It tells me no matter how long it takes, if you believe in yourself, you will get there. I’ve found my divine purpose through this programme – it is a privilege not bestowed on many – this programme made it possible for me.
No matter how successful I become, I will always, always, always remember my year at the Gerwel Foundation and my appreciation for Theo Kemp, Suzette Kotze – Myburgh, together with Jakes Gerwel’s legacy and of course, Ms Phoebe Gerwel, has become part of my DNA.
I was at the lowest point in my life when I got this opportunity – Jakes Gerwel Foundation helped me push on through.
What are you looking forward to?
Publication of my next book and changing lives through putting pen on paper – telling our stories that will last throughout generations.
Please tell me about your passion for creative work, your writings in general and where you see yourself in the next five years as an author?
As I said earlier, writing I believe, is my divine purpose, hence it never feels like a job. Living in the rural areas, I tell our stories through fiction and faction, that of our ancestry and how that has evolved or not and how it has affected us today still and will most probably for the years ahead. We need to get rid of all our toxic baggage, for us to move forward.
In five years’ time, I will have written two more novels and I hope to have inspired loads of youth by this time to just follow their dreams.
Why is it important that the public, especially the youth to take advantage of these opportunities?
We tend to get stuck on “what if’s” – What if I apply and I don’t get accepted? And instead of just trying, we quit for fear of being rejected. Just try and try again – if you truly believe in yourself, in your dreams – you will most certainly succeed.
Since my book has been published, I have been invited to speak at numerous events, I have done a review, I have written articles for newspapers and an analysis of my work has been published in the Afrikaanse Tydskryf vir Letterkunde’s second publication last year – what an honour! There have been articles about me and my work in a number of magazines and newspapers, also PEN international.
I doubt this would have been possible without the Gerwel Foundation.
So to every one with a dream out there, I say – just try, and try, and try – you will fall where you are supposed to be.
Viva Jakes Gerwel viva!
My name is Jane Mpholo, a multidisciplinary theatre and film practitioner. I was part of the NATI Yong Sterre Playwrights’ Program 2021/22 and I am currently a contributor to the Paulet House Stories Blog.
What does it mean to be part of this remarkable initiative and what did it take to get through?
To get through, I had to take a leap of faith and believe in myself for just a second. Being a writer is one of the toughest jobs ever. Not only does one write for themselves but in sharing the work, they expose themselves to criticism. There’s always that fear of “Maybe I am not good enough”. However, there’s also a great relief that comes with pressing that send button on an email and better yet, the panel seeing your worth.
What are you looking forward to?
I look forward to growing. I can’t wait to showcase a script I am currently working on. Something about that mentorship program unleashed a great writer in me. I am well aware of what my voice sounds like, and I know if a piece is worth me pursuing. I don’t await affirmation from others anymore because I am more authentic and have found my signature as a writer. Self-awareness!!!!
I believe “The Dawn”, my NATI Yong Sterre Script was my best work, but the one I am working on will surpass that standard.
Please tell me about your passion for creative work, your writings in general and where you see yourself in the next five years as an author?
Art is a therapeutic tool for me. I am inspired by my own emotions and the lives of those around me. I use art to tackle social injustices and to create awareness. As a writer, I am more in control of the message I want to put out. In the process, I heal myself and those who come across my work.
In the next five years, I see myself as a full-time writer. I can’t wait to stay at home (or my dream beach house) and work on a book or a play, and still be able to provide for my family.
Why is it important that the public, especially the youth to take advantage of these opportunities?
The Jakes Gerwel Foundation is a great platform for practice and exposure. In writing more, you learn some more. The readership is also on an international scale, one gets to reach the following that they wouldn’t otherwise reach if not affiliated with the foundation. It’s great to know that there could be a publisher out there who stumbles on my work and gives me my big break.
Above all, this is a platform to get access to the best mentors and have lifetime networks and support. JGF is family. Once you are in the group, you will be taken care of, forever.
Keleabetswe Langa (Kele M) – Jakes Gerwel Songwriters Mentorship 2022
What does it mean to be part of this remarkable initiative and what did it take to get through?
Being part of the Jakes Gerwel Songwriters Mentorship programme in 2022 meant so much to me as an upcoming musician. There is so many aspects of me that it enhanced, such as my creative process, my performance skills, my writing skills. I truly am better musician because of the initiative. It took courage to get through the programme. I felt like I was a bit out of my comfort zone a lot of times. So, I constantly had to have the courage to embrace new experiences and people and learn new things so that I can go through it being enriched.
What was your take home from it?
In the words of our mentor Frazer Barry “Don’t rush the process.” This is one lesson I took from the programme. I realized creating a beautiful song takes time. It shouldn’t be rushed. You just have to let the process take its course.
Please tell me about your passion for creative work, your writings in general and where you see yourself in the next five years as an author?
For me my songs are not just an expression of myself, I believe they are instrumental in inspiring hope, love and faith. In the next 5 years as a musician, I see myself having released a few memorable albums and grooming a choir from an orphanage home, raising some of the best musicians this world has ever seen from that choir.
Why is it important that the public, especially the youth to take advantage of these opportunities?
It’s important to take advantage of such opportunities as a young person because you need all the support you can get when you are starting out. I found being part of the programme a safe environment that encouraged my growth and originality as a musician. I feel like I won’t be overwhelmed by certain experiences or expectations as a musician because I have had the opportunity of interacting and learning from industry experts such Zolani Mahola and Frazer Barry and I’ve been exposed to performing to different kinds of audiences through the programme. It was good to be part of such a program because it prepared me for my journey ahead as a musician.
Liziwe Ndalana – Kommadagga Workshop for Short Prose 2022
What does it mean to be part of this remarkable initiative and what did it take to get through?
This was a remarkable experience for me. I learned a great deal about the process, which was very useful for me as someone who wants to write a book. In fact, in 2020 during lockdown, I sat down and wrote about 66, 0000 words of my supposed memoir and all those words died with my laptop. Having an opportunity to attend the Kommadagga writing school was an immense blessing, because now I had an opportunity to learn from our experienced mentors Rachelle Greeff and Niq Mhlongo. Writing the story entry was not that difficult for me, because I’ve carried that story for years in my heart. The difficult part was condensing it into 2,000 words, which was challenging.
What was your take home from it?
The lesson I took from this experience was that writing a book is not a sprint but a marathon. Also, it takes more than you, the writer, to tell your story. I’m super grateful for this opportunity and the networks that were created as a result.
Link to Nomzamo Yuku’s story in Weekend Argus
Theolla Langenhoven (1982) werk tans by die Universiteit van Wes-Kaapland na jare in die staatsdiens. Sy wil haar skryfwerk gebruik om haar gemeenskapswerk, haar liefde vir administrasie en haar kennis van sielkunde en kriminologie te kombineer en lig te werp op die maatskaplike kwessies wat gemeenskappe in die gesig staar. Van haar kortverhale en artikels is in Kuier gepubliseer. Haar gedigte het in die Lekka Poems-bloemlesing verskyn en in 2023 het sy ’n gebedsboek vir tieners, Die Here kom sterk deur, gepubliseer. Sy beskou dit as ’n voorreg om in 2020 te kon deelneem aan die Kommadagga-slypskool vir kortverhaalskrywers. In 2023 het sy ’n AfriCAN Honoree Authors’ Award ontvang.
Audrey Veronica Jantjies van Suurbraak, net duskant Swellendam, het na skool joernalistiek aan die destydse Skiereiland Technikon studeer, maar kon weens finansiële beperkinge ongelukkig nie haar kursus voltooi nie. Dit was nog altyd haar passie om mense se stories op te skryf. Sy het onlangs ʼn skryfkursus van Ingrid Winterbach bygewoon en dit het haar siening oor die “Afrikaans-wat-ek-ken” en haar manier van dink oor die “Afrikaans-waarmee-ek-kan-skryf” verander. Belangriker is die dringendheid waarmee sy opnuut besef het dat die stories van haar mense – die mense van Suurbraak se wêreld – vertel moet word, want hierdie mense het baie om te sê.
Jane Mpholo is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist, entrepreneur, and changemaker from Botshabelo, South Africa. As CEO of Jane Mpholo Pty Ltd, she is pioneering work in theatre, film, and site-specific performance art. The first recipient of the CCIA’s “Outstanding Actor in Theatre” award, she has performed, written, and produced for national and international stages. Honored with two honorary awards from Onalerona Productions NPC and the Southern Region Women in Media Awards, she is a mentor, producer, and advocate for inclusivity. Through bold storytelling, she sparks important conversations, shaping the performing arts landscape and inspiring change worldwide.
Keleabetswe Langa is an upcoming gospel musician from Vosloorus, Johannesburg. She started singing at age seven, showing off her talent in church, at school and at university. On her YouTube channel, Kele M, she covers songs by international gospel artists. She is working on her contemporary gospel debut album and is passionate about inspiring women and the youth. Kele holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from the University of Cape Town, as well as a postgraduate diploma in Management Studies. She also runs her own production company, and her dream is to inspire faith, hope and love in the hearts of listeners.
Liziwe Ndalana is a freelance writer and blogger, and she has worked as a radio presenter and a content writer for Fin24. In 2007 she graduated with a Diploma in Public Relations Management from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Liziwe is active on social media with her own YouTube channel and a blog documenting her hiking and coffee shop-hunting adventures in and around Cape Town. She founded Dream Factor, a club focussing on the advancement of literacy amongst children and adults in Nyanga. As a literacy champion, Liziwe has associations with Nal’ibali and the Fundza Literacy Trust. She also runs her own laundry business in Nyanga.
