Mulbarton author publishes a heart-wrenching tribute to late sister
Growing up in an orphanage after losing his parents, Abongile Ngqoleka found solace in storytelling. Now as a criminology scholar and published author, he uses his words to shed light on the harsh realities of GBV, homophobia, and life as an orphaned child.
For Abongile Ngqoleka, writing is more than just a creative pursuit – it’s a lifeline.
Born and raised in Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape, Abongile’s journey has been anything but easy.
Losing his parents at a young age and growing up in an orphanage, he faced hardships that would have broken many.
Instead, he turned to storytelling as a way to process his emotions, understand the world around him, and connect with others who have experienced similar struggles.
Abongile now resides in Mulbarton, Johannesburg south, where he continues to build his career as an author and advocate.
He is a graduate of Fort Hare University with a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Psychology and Criminology and is currently pursuing his honours in criminology.
His education, combined with his personal experiences, has shaped the themes of his writing—particularly his debut book, Nakhane.
From pain to purpose
Abongile’s love for storytelling began during his childhood at the orphanage, where he wrote short stories to make sense of his feelings.
Although he initially had aspirations beyond writing, his experiences with injustice and loss pushed him toward using words as a powerful tool for change.
His debut book, Nakhane, is a direct reflection of his life’s trials and triumphs.
“My upbringing has significantly influenced the themes in my books,” Abongile shares.
“Issues like gender-based violence, loss, and resilience are central to my work because they are realities I have lived through and witnessed first-hand.”
The birth of Nakhane
Nakhane is more than just a novel – it is a tribute, a call to action, and a deeply personal piece of Abongile’s heart.
The book was inspired by the tragic loss of his sister, who was a victim of gender-based violence.
Through this story, he seeks to honour her memory while shedding light on the urgent need to address gender-based violence, homophobia, and the struggles faced by orphaned children.
“The biggest challenge while writing Nakhane was confronting the painful memories of my sister’s death,” Abongile admits.
“I wanted to tell her story with dignity and respect while also ensuring that the book serves as a voice for others who have suffered in silence.”
Publishing Nakhane was not an easy feat. Financial constraints made the journey difficult, but Abongile remained determined.
He even used his NSFAS allowances to fund the entire project – an act that speaks volumes about his dedication and belief in the power of his message.
After many struggles, Nakhane was finally published in October 2023.
A voice for the marginalised
Nakhane is not just a book for entertainment; it is a work of advocacy.
It calls attention to the injustices that plague many communities, encouraging readers to empathise with those who suffer from discrimination and violence.
“I hope readers take away a sense of empathy and awareness from Nakhane,” Abongile says.
“It’s essential for people to understand these issues so we can work toward change together.”
His target audience includes readers who are passionate about social justice, particularly those concerned with gender-based violence and marginalised communities.
For those who appreciate raw, powerful narratives rooted in real-life experiences, Nakhane offers an eye-opening journey.
A future of storytelling and change
While Nakhane is Abongile’s first published book, it certainly won’t be his last.
He is already planning future projects that will continue to tackle pressing social issues and inspire conversations that lead to change.
His writing process is a mix of discipline and spontaneity.
He sets aside dedicated time each day to write, allowing his thoughts to flow organically rather than strictly following an outline.
He often finds inspiration in quiet, reflective spaces, with nature serving as a backdrop to his creative process.
To aspiring authors, Abongile has one key piece of advice: “Remain persistent despite challenges and believe in your unique voice. Every story matters, and sharing it can inspire others.”
Anyone interested in buying the book, may contact Abongile on 071 330 3734.
