Born and raised in Limpopo, Phuti Seboni has come a long way from his rural beginnings to becoming an award-winning author based in Alberton.

The fourth of five siblings, he moved to Johannesburg after completing matric in 2014, determined to pursue a career in the creative arts.

His journey recently reached a milestone when his book Rakgolo Masoba won the Children’s Book category at the Literary Awards, organised by the South African Literary Awards (SALA) in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture.

The awards ceremony was held at the Roodepoort Theatre Museum on November 11 and attended by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.

Winning with a story close to home

Seboni’s award-winning book, Rakgolo Masoba, was launched in September 2024 at the Soweto Theatre.

@albertonrecordBorn and raised in Limpopo, Phuti Seboni has come a long way from his rural beginnings to becoming an award-winning author based in Alberton. The fourth of five siblings, he moved to Johannesburg after completing matric in 2014, determined to pursue a career in the creative arts. Read full story on albertonrecord.co.za♬ original sound – Alberton Record

Written in Sepedi, it tells the story of a wise grandfather from Seboni’s village who loved playing with children and teaching them respect, not only for elders, but for everyone older than them.

“I did submissions in June this year, where I was required to submit five copies of my book, and the shortlisting was done now in November. When I got the email saying, ‘Phuti, good luck, your book has been shortlisted,’ I couldn’t believe it. I was at home in Limpopo and thought, finally! It has always been a dream to enter these awards,” Seboni said.

He shared that authors from Ekurhuleni and officials from the Gauteng Department of Arts and Culture came to support him at the event.

“When I arrived at the awards, they were sitting there waiting for me. They said, ‘Phuti, this is yours. You’re taking it home.’ I was scared because the competition was tough,” he said with a laugh.

Another win for his Sepedi novel

Seboni’s literary journey began with his debut book, Lesogana la Mahlale (Naughty Boy), published in September 2023.

The novel, also in Sepedi, tells the story of a gifted young man who fails to use his talent wisely, sending a message that readers should take opportunities seriously.

That book earned him Best Sepedi Book at the Pietermaritzburg Shuku’s Greenleaf Awards on November 9, 2024.

“I entered the awards last year with my first book but didn’t win. I didn’t give up. I entered again this year with my second book, and here I am,” he said proudly.

Inspired by family and culture

Seboni is now working on his third book, a biography about his late grandfather.

“My grandfather was a popular person. He was the king of harepa music. He was well-known around the 1980s and passed away in 1992. His life was interesting, and I want future generations to know about him,” he said.

Writing in Sepedi is intentional for him. Both Rakgolo Masoba and Lesogana la Mahlale were written to promote indigenous languages and cultural pride.

“I want to encourage youth to promote their roots and be proud of who they are,” he explained.

From acting to authorship

When Seboni moved to Johannesburg, he initially dreamt of becoming a radio producer and studied radio broadcasting. His passion for the arts led him to theatre and eventually television, where he landed featured roles in Skeem Saam and Isibaya.

“In Isibaya, I acted as a Zulu taxi driver. But when Covid-19 hit, the soapie went off-screen, and I ended up sitting at home.”

Determined to keep creating, Seboni opened his own film company, focused on telling stories from rural communities.

“I wanted to direct and produce my own work because there are so many stories happening in rural areas that deserve to be told,” he said.

He produced two episodes for YouTube but had to pause the project due to financial and production challenges.

Discovering his gift for writing

Seboni’s writing career took off after publishing his first book independently and selling 1000 copies without the support of a publishing company.

“People love that book. It did very well and is still doing well. That’s when I realised I have a writing talent,” he said.

He explained that Lesogana la Mahlale was inspired by his personal struggles and the feeling of being overlooked.

“I kept knocking on doors asking for funding, but no one believed in me. Then I saw a guy with pure talent who was wasting his opportunities. I thought, no man, this guy is naughty, he’s going to lose it all, and here I am looking for the opportunities he doesn’t value. That’s when I wrote my first book.”

A message of hope and resilience

Raised by a single mother after his father left and moved to Johannesburg, Seboni said childhood hardships shaped his determination.

“We struggled after he left and started to experience poverty. The situation at home pushed me to be where I am today.”

He hopes his journey inspires others from similar backgrounds.

“Winning these awards is a reminder that I must keep pushing. I want to inspire kids in rural areas who have dreams of becoming something better in life.”

Building a legacy beyond books

Now settled in Alberton, Seboni continues to pursue his passion for storytelling while running multiple businesses. Back in Limpopo, he owns a purified water business and recently bought land where he plans to build accommodation for teachers and a car wash.

“I’ve tried many things in life, radio, acting, business, but I believe God wanted me to be involved in literature,” he reflected.

“Winning these awards motivates me to keep pushing and sharing stories that matter.”