Authors and dignitaries gather at UNISA for the 2025 Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Publishing Hub launch, unveiling 21 new books across all official languages.
Image: Supplied
South Africa has added 21 new literary works to its cultural landscape with the official launch of the 2025 Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Publishing Hub grant recipients, held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
The launch, which took place on the eve of the country’s G20 Summit, highlighted national commitments to linguistic diversity, cultural preservation and inclusive creative economies.
The event brought together dignitaries, authors and stakeholders from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), including Poet Laureate Dr Gcina Mhlope and other literary leaders.
“These books confirm our commitment towards nurturing the literary ecosystem and empowering local authors and publishers along with the entire book value chain,” said Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie. “The literary works reflect our collective South African heritage, including youth people living with disability and previously disadvantaged languages. This serves as a testament to the wealth of our cultural tapestry.”
Since its inception, the DSAC Publishing Hub has produced 91 literary works: 64 physical books, 15 audiobooks and 12 Braille editions.
Five publications are written in Khwedam, !Xunthali and Nama - Khoi and San languages - underscoring the programme’s emphasis on indigenous language preservation.
For the 2024/25 cycle, the Hub unveiled 21 physical books, seven audiobooks and six Braille transcriptions. The collection spans all official languages and includes children’s literature, poetry anthologies, novels, drama, short stories and narrative non-fiction.
The launch also featured an exhibition of African attire celebrating South African cultural heritage. In a moment of solidarity, attendees observed 15 minutes of silence in honour of the Women’s Shutdown.
This year’s recipients include authors across all language groups, with works published through partners such as Xarra Books, Iziko Art Company, Siyafundisa Online, Mighty Greener Pastures, HelpMyWorld, Sun Peo, Zamaphuti Publishers, Mbokoto, Epublishing and Digital Displays, and Vinakotolo Press.
The timing of the launch, held just before the G20 Summit, further underscored the importance of cultural investment. “This groundbreaking programme represents more than just publishing books - it’s about reclaiming our narrative and investing in South Africa’s intellectual capital,” McKenzie said. “We’re witnessing a renaissance in South African literature, and these grants ensure that every voice, in every language, has the opportunity to be heard.”
Administered by the Academic and Non-Fiction Authors' Association of South Africa (ANFASA) in partnership with DSAC, the Publishing Hub focuses on language preservation, accessibility, youth empowerment, disability inclusion and industry growth through partnerships with 10 publishing houses.
The celebration included participation from national literary figures such as Poet Laureate Prof Walle Serote and showcased the diversity of authors from across the country.
According to organisers, the 91 works produced through the programme “represent more than books - they are vessels of memory, identity, and aspiration,” created in languages that “deserve to thrive” and by authors whose voices strengthen the global literary landscape.
Meet the 2025 DSAC Publishing Hub Grant Recipients
isiZulu
Bhekisisa Potiycarp – Isigqi Lomzansi (Narration Non-Fiction) – Iziko Art Company
Nomcebo Cele – Ubukhazikhazi Bezinkanyezi (Children and Young Adults' books) – Siyafundisa Online
isiXhosa
Lisanda Msilekwane – Ulophilili (Children and Young Adults' books) – Siyafundisa Online
Nomtandazo Sicolo – Siyafundisa Online
Phetlasi-Princess Mmomireni – Ukugqama Kweqgange (Poetry Anthology, 2 Authors) – Mighty Greener Pastures General Trading Pty Ltd
Setswana
Kgaugwane Dire – Setswana
Bontle Nkeatlang – Manya A Pelo A Botshelo (Drama Text, 2 Authors) – HelpMyWorld
Bokamoso Edward Manyana – Setswana
Odirile Sibanda – Khupamafana Ke Pina Ya Peto (Poetry Anthology, 2 Authors) – Sun Peo
Sesotho
John Maphatela Maphela – Manmeti Tsona (Short Story Anthologies) – Sun Peo
Tihokomelo Khusu – Ntokoteli (Poetry Anthologies) – Zamaphuti Publishers
isiNdebele
Frans Sabelo Minenhle – Mina Na Mnganele (Children and Young Adults' books) – Mbokoto
Themba Emanuel Mashobane – Isidonodono (Poetry Anthologies) – Epublishing and Digital Displays
Sepedi
Mosima Kagiso Phakeng – Reantsha Lesedi La Gago (Children and Young Adults' books) – Mighty Greener Pastures General Trading Pty Ltd
Blessing Morokolo – Re Laniile Bohwa le Seřšo (Children and Young Adults' books) – Vinakotolo Press
Xitsonga
Vongani Andriw Mathye – Vutlha Ya Vakokwana (Poetry Anthologies) – Mbokoto
Hlayi Sanl Antonette Shiburi – Jutani Hi Yi Watiekela (Poetry Anthologies) – Vinakotolo Press
Tshivenda
Phatheletshedzo Netshavihamutola – Tshivenda Tshilizzi – Matsivha A Mbilu (Poetry Anthology, 2 Authors) – HelpMyWorld
Phutuso Dave Netshavihakololo – Mitodzi Ya Philiphise (Children and Young Adults' books) – Zamaphuti Publishers
Siswati
Khedive Mvulane – Jabulane Netibhodo Takemanga (Children and Young Adults' books) – Epublishing and Digital Displays
Constance Merry Mkomi – Imkhonkhlo Yesono (Novel) – Iziko Art Company
Afrikaans
Carina Diedericks-Hugo - Toe Vind Ek Jou (Children and Young Adults' books) – Xarra Books
English
Bontle Nggiyazi – Small Fires in the Dust (Short Story Anthologies) – Xarra Books