What began as a passion for literacy has grown into national recognition for Basetsana Confidence Sheane, a second-year Bachelor of Education student at the University of the Free State (UFS). Specialising in life skills, social sciences, and Sesotho home language, Sheane has successfully balanced her academic commitments with her calling as a storyteller and literacy activist. 

In 2024, she achieved a milestone that many only dream of - publishing her first Sesotho children’s book, Boitshepo O Ithuta Ho Itshepa (Boitshepo learns how to be confident). Written for learners aged ten to fourteen, the book tells the story of Boitshepo, an 11-year-old girl from Masilo who learns to rise above discouragement and embrace the true meaning of her name, which translates to “confidence.”  

“The book is inspired by my upbringing, but more importantly by the learners from Tsebo Ke Lesedi, a community reading club that I founded in Theunissen to help children learn to read,” Sheane explained.  

She sees the book as a response to the urgent need for representation in children’s literature. “There is a shortage of Sesotho children’s books in our schools and libraries,” she said. “I wanted to create something that not only preserves our language but also empowers children to love themselves and their heritage.” 

Describing her work as “empowerment through storytelling,” Sheane believes her writing nurtures young readers’ confidence while reminding them that their voices matter and their challenges can be overcome. 

Her contributions have earned her national acclaim. In just two years, Sheane has been named one of Sunday World’s Heroic Women (2024), an Unsung Hero (2023), one of Inside Education’s 100 South African Shining Stars (2023) and the Free State World Newspaper Game Changer of the Year (2023). Sheane was also honoured with the Youth Citizen Action Programme - Change Agent for Sustainability Award (2023), affirming her role as a changemaker and voice for young people. 

For Sheane, however, her greatest reward has been witnessing the impact of her reading club. “The reading club helped me realise my dream of writing and teaching children the importance of reading and being confident in life. Studying towards becoming a teacher makes the experience even more exciting and enjoyable,” she said.  

Her passion for literacy activism is rooted in a vision of transforming communities through reading. “By writing in Sesotho, I am not only telling stories but also preserving a language, celebrating identity, and planting seeds of confidence in the next generation of learners,” she added.