Colour Your World: An Exploration of Children's Literature in Afrikaans 

Children's books do far more than entertain. They introduce young readers to language, imagination, empathy and discovery. In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Terry-Ann Adams speaks to bestselling author Jaco Jacobs about children's literature in Afrikaans and its role in developing confident readers and nurturing a culture of reading. The conversation explores the creative process behind writing for children, the unique opportunities and challenges of publishing in Afrikaans, and why books remain one of the most powerful ways to inspire curiosity and creativity in young minds. As part of the Colour Your World series, this episode celebrates children's literature as an important contribution to South Africa's multilingual publishing landscape.

Credits

Executive Producers (for Thekgang NPO): Lorraine Sithole, Terry-Ann Adams and Melvin Kabwe

Thekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Books that move us: Exploring how spatial planning and space influence our stories

Stories emerge from places. In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Tonderai Chiyindiko and Solam Mkhabela explore the relationship between literature, space and spatial planning, reflecting on how the environments we inhabit influence the stories we tell and the identities we construct. The conversation considers how neighbourhoods, cities, landscapes and public spaces shape memory, belonging and imagination. It also examines how literature captures the lived realities of communities and preserves the social histories embedded within place. This episode invites listeners to think differently about the connection between storytelling and the spaces that surround us.

Executive Producers (for Thekgang NPO):

Lorraine Sithole, Terry-Ann Adams and Melvin Kabwe

Thekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colour Your World: Publishing in Mother Tongue – isiXhosa and siSwati.

Mother-tongue publishing plays a vital role in literacy development, cultural preservation and identity formation. In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Bobo Lukehele speaks to Yamkela Tywakadi about publishing in isiXhosa and siSwati, and the importance of ensuring that readers have access to stories in the languages they understand best. The conversation explores language, literacy, representation and the challenges facing indigenous language publishing in South Africa. Part of the Colour Your World series, this episode highlights the role books play in sustaining language and building stronger reading communities.

Executive Producers (for Thekgang NPO):

Lorraine Sithole, Terry-Ann Adams and Melvin Kabwe

Thekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From text to graphics: Alternative lexicons and graphic novels

Graphic novels are changing how readers engage with stories. In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Karabo Kgoleng speaks to Siya Masuku of Siyafunda Online and Ziyaad Aliwali of Aliwali Comics about graphic novels, visual storytelling and the idea of alternative literary lexicons. The conversation explores how images and text work together to tell stories, the role graphic novels play in supporting literacy, and the opportunities they create for publishers, educators and creators. As books continue to evolve beyond traditional formats, graphic storytelling offers exciting new possibilities for African literature and publishing.

Executive Producers (for Thekgang NPO):

Lorraine Sithole, Terry-Ann Adams and Melvin Kabwe

Thekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Publishing, translation and adaptation: Taking a seat at the book value-chain table

Books do not exist in isolation. They are part of a larger ecosystem that includes publishing, translation, adaptation, rights management, distribution and audience development.

In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Karabo Kgoleng speaks to Nozizwe Jele about the importance of understanding the full book value chain and the opportunities available to creators beyond writing.

The conversation explores how stories travel across languages through translation, how books can be adapted into other formats, and why creators must engage with every stage of the literary ecosystem.

For anyone interested in publishing, rights, storytelling and creative entrepreneurship, this episode offers valuable insight into how books create value long after they are written.

Lorraine Sithole, Terry-Ann Adams and Melvin Kabwe

Thekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Mofokeng and Moleleki explore writing and publishing in Sesotho for young readers. The conversation reflects on the importance of indigenous language literature in shaping literacy, imagination and identity, particularly for children and youth audiences. From representation and accessibility to publishing challenges and reading culture, the episode highlights the importance of creating engaging stories that young readers can experience in languages familiar to them.

The episode also sits within a broader reflection on language as part of how communities learn, communicate and preserve cultural continuity.

Executive Producers (for Thekgang NPO): Lorraine Sithole, Terry-Ann Adams and Melvin Kabwe

Thekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Karabo Kgoleng speaks to Siphokazi Jonas about adapting books into audiobooks and the growing role of audio in contemporary publishing. The conversation explores the craft of audiobook production, including voice, pacing, interpretation and performance, while reflecting on how listening reshapes the experience of storytelling. The episode also considers the relationship between audiobooks and African oral storytelling traditions, positioning audio literature as both contemporary and deeply rooted in existing cultural practices.

Executive Producers (for Thekgang NPO):

Lorraine Sithole, Terry-Ann Adams and Melvin Kabwe

Thekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Literature that literally moves us and alternative lexicons… but alternative to what?

In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Karabo Kgoleng speaks to Dr Sipho Sithole about literature, language and the politics of cultural legitimacy.

The conversation explores the idea of “alternative lexicons” and questions the systems that define what is considered mainstream, standard or marginal within literature and publishing.

From African languages and knowledge systems to visibility and access, this episode reflects on how stories move through society — and how language shapes the way we understand the world.

Executive Producers: Lorraine Sithole, Terry-Ann Adams & Melvin Kabwe.

For Thekgang NPC – www.thekgang.org.za

Thekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Children’s books play a foundational role in shaping imagination, identity and early literacy.

In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Lorraine Sithole and Refilwe Moahloli explore how language influences the way children experience stories, with a focus on the importance of books in multiple languages.

The conversation highlights the need for accessible, representative and engaging children’s literature that reflects the diversity of South African readers.

From storytelling to publishing, this episode reflects on how books help shape how children see themselves and the world around them.

Executive producers: Lorraine Sithole, Terry-Ann Adams & Melvin Kabwe

Thekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Lorato Trok and Tuelo Gabonewe explore the preservation of the Setswana language through writing and publishing.

The conversation focuses on language as identity, writing as a tool for preservation, and the importance of building systems that support indigenous literature.

Released in the period following Freedom Day, the episode also sits within a broader moment of reflection — where the ability to create, publish and communicate in one’s own language forms part of how freedom is experienced and sustained.

Executive producers are Lorraine Sithole, Terry-Ann Adams and Melvin Kabwe.

Thekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.