Meet a top notch author

Meet a top-notch author

By S Botsime


The awards are rolling in for excellent writer, Malope Mathete. This gentleman who has written and published most of his books in Northern Sotho has raked in many awards, including the prestigious M-Net Best Writer award (2009)

Speaking to Malope Mathethe one would realise the passion that runs in his blood about literature. Asking the gentleman how it all started, he elaborated that he started to be bitten by the bug when he was in grade ten.His first book was published in 2000 (Seradikane), and he never looked back since then. He still has a nine-to- five job with the Police force in the forensic department. Some of his books are Seradikane, Maaka ga se Makhura, Bophelo ba Lehono, Tlaisego, A family of Orphans, Babusi ba Lehono, Ho Fetogile just to mention a few.

Giving us more information about the award winning “Babusi ba Lehono” he pointed out that it’s all about corruption, backstabbing, patronage and conspiracy. Many of his books are being prescribed for schools by the Department of Education which gives him great pleasure. “I am inspired by great African writers like Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Chinua Achebe, etc” he said.

He added: “I am doing research about albinos and hoping to pen my next masterpiece by the end of this year. My message to young writers is that they must never be discouraged and people must be proud of their home language. I owe it all to Mrs Romoba my life science teacher,”
Those interested in contacting him can do so at this number@083 744 8499.