At the tender age of twelve, South African award-winning writer Laiah Thobejane made time and space to work on a novel. Her novel ‘Just A Language’ was released in 2023 and has gone on to bag an award from the AfriCAN Writers Awards.

In this interview, Thobejane has opened up about her book, writing journey and hopes for the future. ^{*KM – Kudzai Mhangwa, LT – Laiah Thobejane.}

Exclusive: Interview with 12-year-old South African novelist Laiah Thobejane

KM: I’m so pleased to have you in conversation! Please introduce yourself Laiah.

LT: My name is Laiah Thobejane I’m a fourteen-year-old award-winning author, member of International African Writers Association (IAWA) South Africa Branch and currently a student at Rustenburg Girls High School.

KM: You are the author of ‘Just A Language’ which you published at 12 years of age. What inspired you to write a novel at such a young age?

LT: I suffered a lot at my primary school from constant bullying, criticism, and humiliation and what inspired me is a book titled ‘Cry the Beloved Country’ [authored by Alan Paton] which made me to also write my struggles was the encouragement from my previous teacher Sir Mabeba as he played an incredible role to have the courage to write my own book.

KM: What is your novel about?

LT: Its about twin girls named Saliminah and Mosima who came to Limpopo village to learn their native language. As they came to the village they were not treated well for the fact [that] they have “dreadlocks and spoke only English”. The battle through this constant mockery and humiliation however despite all that was happening they vow to themselves that they will beat their bullies academically. With the support of their parents, they’ve became victorious in academics.

KM: You also co-wrote this novel with your twin sister, Lilly Thobejane. How was that like working with your sibling? Was it easy or you fought a bit? [Laughs]

LT: Yes, we argued a lot. Despite the arguments we had we managed to achieve our goal.

KM: At the tender age of twelve, you not only had the will to write and publish a novel but your book won an AfriCAN Authors Award. How was it like to receive that award?

LT: It’s through the grace of God as I couldn’t have done it without my twin sister Lilly.

KM: When did you begin writing?

LT: I began writing in 2022 during mid-year examinations.

KM: How does the future look for you writing wise? What more would you like to achieve?

LT: I recently completed my poetry collection; we are looking at venues for a possible book launch through IAWA South Africa branch. Currently I would like to become top learner at my current school.

KM: So besides writing what else are you into?

LT: I’m passionate about spending time at the school library, reading books and enjoy listening to music. Most importantly I enjoy spending time with my family watching movies.

KM: It’s people like you who give hope to the future of authorship in Africa. What are your final words for the readers?

LT: There will always be challenges in life just keep pushing and work on your craft, one day you shall worth it.

Laiah Thobejane with her twin sister and co-author Lilly Thobejane

‘Just A Language’ is currently on sale as hard copies. Orders can be made on the social media handles of the author (Facebook)