Tshegofatso Nkwane

Tshegofatso Nkwane is a 26-year-old writer from Naledi, Soweto. After completing her studies in English literature and international relations at Wits University in 2019, she worked for Reos Partners, a global social impact company, for several years as consultant, facilitator, report writer and editor. Managing an international anti-racism project of Médecins sans Frontières and editing the PSET scenarios with JET Educational Services were two of the highlights during this time. She realised that she wanted to tell township stories and write about social justice, and is now a full-time writer and aspiring novelist. To her, the Jakes Gerwel Foundation’s call for applications for the workshop ‘felt, more than anything, like an invitation to ask for guidance. As an emerging writer, I know I need a second pair of eyes and the Kommadagga workshop offers that. I have always known that I wanted to write, but I was always shy and afraid of my own voice. I hope that exposure to other writers and the mentorship will contribute to my growth as a writer and allow me to emerge confidently in spaces I have passion for.’