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Pagecast conversations at the KBF 2025: "The Authors Rewriting Childhood in South Africa"

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In this special episode of Pagecast, we bring you an inspiring conversation recorded live at the 2025 Kingsmead Book Fair. Hloniphile Mzangwa is in conversation with four South African children’s authors who are transforming childhood through stories that celebrate empathy, inclusion, cultural pride, and representation.

Meet the incredible voices behind these powerful books:

Lara Nathan, author of Jamie Shai and his Superpower, shares how her special-needs son inspired a story rooted in empathy and inclusion.

Professor Claudine Storbeck, founder of the Centre for Deaf Studies, explores the importance of Deaf culture and sign language in children’s literature and education.

Salamina Mosese, acclaimed actress and author of Disaster at Gogo’s Spaza, brings township family life vividly to the page through her storytelling.

Refiloe Moahloli, award-winning author and founder of Twelve Animation Studios, celebrates multilingualism, joy, and self-confidence in her work.

Together, they answer thought-provoking questions about the importance of representation in South African children’s literature, how social themes like inclusion and identity are woven into their stories, and the core values they hope young readers will embrace.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or book enthusiast, this episode offers a look at the stories shaping the future of childhood in South Africa.

#KingsmeadBookFair #SouthAfricanAuthors #ChildrensBooks #InclusionInLiterature #RepresentationMatters #EmpathyThroughStories #AfricanChildrensBooks #LiteraryFestival #BookLoversSA #StorytellingForChange #BookPodcast
30 May 2025 English South Africa Books · Society & Culture

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