For award-winning South African poet, author and performer Siphokazi Jonas, storytelling is more than an art form. It is a way of helping people find their voices and tell their own stories.

With a Master’s degree in English Literature and a career that has earned her recognition both locally and internationally, Siphokazi has built a reputation for powerful, thought-provoking writing. Her debut poetry collection, Weeping Becomes a River, received multiple accolades, including the UJ Prize for South African Writing: Debut Prize. Now, she is bringing that creativity to younger readers with her newly released children’s book, Oli and the Island of Intsomi, published by Penguin Random House South Africa in August 2026.

But beyond the awards and the books, we want to explore her passion for children, education and the role storytelling can play in shaping young minds.

For award-winning South African poet, author and performer Siphokazi Jonas, storytelling is more than an art form. It is a way of helping people find their voices and tell their own stories.
With a Master&rsquo;s degree in English Literature and a career that has earned her recognition both locally and internationally, Siphokazi has built a reputation for powerful, thought-provoking writing. Her debut poetry collection, Weeping Becomes a River, received multiple accolades, including the UJ Prize for South African Writing: Debut Prize. Now, she is bringing that creativity to younger readers with her newly released children&rsquo;s book, Oli and the Island of Intsomi, published by Penguin Random House South Africa in August 2026.
But beyond the awards and the books, we want to explore her passion for children, education and the role storytelling can play in shaping young minds.

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