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UFS Education student publishes second book at 23, aims to promote literacy and African languages

25 August 2023 | Story Naledi Mokhasinyane | Photo Thandiswa Sihlezana

Tlotlisang Mhlambiso, a University of the Free State (UFS) BEd student in his final year, wears multiple hats as an author, poet, and Teaching Assistant. And the 23-year-old’s literary prowess continues to grow: He launched his second book, a collection of short stories titled A Journey Worth the Ride, at the UFS Academy for Multilingualism recently.

Hailing from Lugcadweni village in the Eastern Cape's Mount Fletcher (Tlokoeng), Mhlambiso self-published his debut poetry book, Ukuphuma Kwelanga, in 2020. His debut book received a public launch on 14 June 2023 at the UFS’s Sasol Library, and his second book was launched on 11 August.

Unveiling "A Journey Worth the Ride": iCAN Project hosts the remarkable launch

The launch of A Journey Worth the Ride was hosted by the iCAN Project, led by Mhlambiso's former lecturer Dr Peet van Aardt. Mhlambiso’s book delve into resilience, sorrow, and love. He was recognised by the National Youth Development Agency as 2023's Education Trailblazer. He says he hopes to battle illiteracy through his poetry and stories, which shone at the National Arts Festival and are preserved in the Amazwi South African Museum of Literature. He has also co-authored an international journal spanning continents.

Inspired by an English teacher's introduction to the poem ‘Africa My Africa’ by David Diop, Mhlambiso started writing in primary school. “We are created differently; some are vocal, and some are not,” he says. “Being part of some that are not has made me opt for writing instead of constantly being vocal about issues and situations that some people go through.” University life sparked his passion for short stories, commencing with his submission of ‘Uthando Lukamama’ to the iCAN Project.

Empowering through words: Mhlambiso's multifaceted literary mission

Mhlambiso explains he also uses writing to address unspoken societal issues, improve literacy levels, and preserve African languages. He captures contemporary stories, aligning with the iCAN Project's aim of decolonising curricula. He envisions fostering a more literate society through reading. “Dr Peet Van Aardt once said the project is a response from the centre for the ever-increasing need for decolonised curricula, steeped in the local cultural perspective of ubuntu, which is the iCAN Project, and A Journey Worth the Ride has exactly tapped into that, as it is a multilingual book,” he added.

He believes balancing academics and writing involves limited socialising and intensive reading. Creative writing masterclasses and workshops by the Academy for Multilingualism under the iCAN Project, and the UFS African Languages Press nourish his creativity.

From dreams to community transformation: Mhlambiso's literary odyssey

Mhlambiso hails from an environment without libraries, and now he aims to transform his community through writing. His goal is to donate his works to schools, libraries, and book clubs, promoting literacy in native languages. His poetry and stories encourage collective change and emphasise youth action.

His works relate strongly to the UFS’s Vision 130 and one of its component values, Innovation and Impact. His aims align with this vision through his engagements with local schools, libraries, and book clubs to confront their challenges. This includes addressing issues like the scarcity of books in native languages and contributing authored works to bridge this gap.

As Mhlambiso's oft-repeated resounding call goes: "Let's embark on this journey; it is worth the ride!”

News Archive

Lots of inspiration at Autumn Graduation Ceremony

2013-04-08

Photo: Hannes Pieterse
27 March 2013

The university’s Autumn Graduation Ceremony promises to be another special occasion, with speakers from South Africa and abroad that will address the graduates.

A total of 526 diplomas/certificates and 2 796 bachelor’s and honours degrees will be awarded at the ceremony. The diplomas/certificates and degrees will be awarded during eight ceremonies in the Callie Human Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus from 16 to 19 April 2013.

Well-known radio host and Idols South Africa judge, Gareth Cliff, will be the guest speaker at two ceremonies on 18 April 2013. He will be joined by Vicus Visser, the South African YouTube singing sensation dubbed Bloemfontein’s Justin Bieber. Vicus and his brother Vincent, will perform during the two ceremonies.

Graduates will also be able to draw inspiration from the American student and tap dancer, Joshua Johnson, whom overseas media report widely about. Joshua inspired American audiences with his story of hope and perseverance. The student from Penn State University travels five hours by bus to New York every weekend, where he dances on the subway train to earn money for his tuition fees.

Joshua has appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and his story has also been told in the New York Times and on the American news programme ABC World News with Diane Sawyer.

Joshua will be the guest speaker at the ceremonies on 16, 17 and 19 April 2013. He will also deliver a dance item.

The programme for the respective ceremonies is:

Tuesday 16 April

09:30 Diplomas and certificates up to and including honours degrees in the Faculty of the Humanities: only Social Sciences and Communication Science.
14:30 Diplomas and certificates up to and including honours degrees in the Faculty of the Humanities: Social Sciences and Communication Science excluded.

Wednesday 17 April

09:30 Diplomas and certificates up to and including honours degrees in the Faculty of Education.
14:30 Diplomas and certificates up to and including honours degrees in the Faculties of Health Sciences, Law and Theology.

Thursday 18 April

09:30 Diplomas and certificates up to and including honours degrees in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences: only Agricultural Sciences and Architecture.
14:30 Diplomas and certificates up to and including honours degrees in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences: only Natural Sciences.

Friday 19 April

09:30 Diplomas and certificates up to and including honours degrees in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences: all diplomas and degrees in the Faculty, except BCom and BComHons.
14:30 Diplomas and certificates up to and including honours degrees in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences: only BCom and BComHons.

The Qwaqwa Campus’ graduation ceremony will take place on 8 June 2013. Diplomas/certificates up to and including doctorates will be awarded at this ceremony.

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