Author is inspiring young minds through storytelling
Read more: Author unravels Africas complex past
From a young age, he was known for his storytelling, often combining his tales with humour and imagination. 'My journey into children's literature began when I discovered Diary of a Wimpy Kid, which ignited a desire to create stories that bring joy to young readers.'
His stories are rooted deep in his life experiences. He's always been a dreamer, supported by his mother and grandmother, who showed courage in their lives. 'I want to share that beauty with young readers, to encourage them to be strong and dream big.'
His books, including Mandla's Mark and Other Stories and Why the Owl Never Sleeps, are not only imaginative; they carry important life lessons. They symbolise what we can achieve when our parents support us. 'Parents play an important role in shaping our lives as kids. I want to teach children about accountability and resilience, through whimsical characters.'
Through his involvement with the UJ Library Book Club and youth projects, he gains insights into what children need from books today. 'These engagements allow me to hear from experts and connect with kids, helping me understand their desires and interests. I aim to write stories that resonate with their experiences.'
Ultimately, he hopes his books and community work will influence the next generation of thinkers and dreamers, as he wants to convey that passion and commitment can change lives.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
7 days ago
- The South African
Melody Miya uplifts youth through faith, healing, and purpose
Multi-talented TV and radio host Melody Miya has made his mark on South African entertainment as an energetic stadium announcer and respected broadcasting professional. The 33-year-old holds a master's degree in Sports Communication and Management from the University of Johannesburg. He combines his passion for sport with powerful media storytelling. Today, he juggles the roar of stadiums, television appearances, and meaningful community work through his youth-driven foundation, Conquer Make It Happen . Melody was born in Katlehong, moved with his mother to Kwa-Mashu in Durban, and eventually returned to Johannesburg. 'I was fourteen, and I said, 'I don't want to be here; I'm leaving Durban for Joburg to live with my father.'' 'I told my parents I no longer wanted to stay in Durban because I didn't see myself progressing there. That decision became the biggest I've ever made. It changed my life completely and set everything in motion.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Melody Miya (@melodymiyavibe) Miya grew up passionate about sports and says it played a major role in transforming his life. 'After school, I used to play rugby regularly. I was a very active boy, always moving and staying busy. 'Sports kept me away from trouble, gave me purpose, and created self-affirmation through structure, discipline, and positive daily routines.' He adds, 'I didn't know what to study at university, but my love for sport led me straight into that path.' In 2020, Miya joined Daily Thetha , one of SABC 1's flagship talk shows. He says joining the show was a dream come true and that he'll always be grateful for the experience. 'Joining Daily Thetha was the highlight of my career; I cried for days when things aligned beautifully.' He adds, 'I had always aspired to be on the show; God one-hundred-per cent perfectly aligned the stars for my appointment there.' Beyond television, Miya's energetic cadence commands Orlando Pirates' home matches, blending entertainment, discipline, and motivational engagement for thousands weekly. 'Sports saved my life, broadcasting is in my blood, something I breathe, feel, and do daily,' he says. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Melody Miya (@melodymiyavibe) He adds, 'An idle mind is dangerous, so stadium storytelling keeps youths active, optimistic, and participating purposefully every weekend.' Through his Conquer Make It Happen foundation, Miya sows confidence and empowers young people, growing future leaders throughout communities in South Africa. He explains what inspired the initiative and the change he hopes to bring. 'The goal is clear: empower communities to engage fully, whether in sports, dialogue or life itself, no more bystanders.' 'Too many people stand on the sidelines of their own lives; we're urging them to step in and lead.' He adds, 'I believe I'm a voice of hope, helping people realise they can take control and shape their own future.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Melody Miya (@melodymiyavibe) For Miya, mental health advocacy isn't a trend—it's a core pillar of how he survives and thrives under pressure. 'Self-awareness is the heart of it all,' he says, a mantra that fuels his confidence in front of crowds and cameras alike.
The Citizen
7 days ago
- The Citizen
Author is inspiring young minds through storytelling
Wandile Mathe, a passionate author and social worker student at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), has dedicated his life to inspiring children through storytelling. Read more: Author unravels Africas complex past From a young age, he was known for his storytelling, often combining his tales with humour and imagination. 'My journey into children's literature began when I discovered Diary of a Wimpy Kid, which ignited a desire to create stories that bring joy to young readers.' His stories are rooted deep in his life experiences. He's always been a dreamer, supported by his mother and grandmother, who showed courage in their lives. 'I want to share that beauty with young readers, to encourage them to be strong and dream big.' His books, including Mandla's Mark and Other Stories and Why the Owl Never Sleeps, are not only imaginative; they carry important life lessons. They symbolise what we can achieve when our parents support us. 'Parents play an important role in shaping our lives as kids. I want to teach children about accountability and resilience, through whimsical characters.' Through his involvement with the UJ Library Book Club and youth projects, he gains insights into what children need from books today. 'These engagements allow me to hear from experts and connect with kids, helping me understand their desires and interests. I aim to write stories that resonate with their experiences.' Ultimately, he hopes his books and community work will influence the next generation of thinkers and dreamers, as he wants to convey that passion and commitment can change lives. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
IOL News
03-07-2025
- IOL News
KwaZulu-Natal businessman Manzini Zungu collaborates with UJ on creative storytelling projects
KwaZulu-Natal businessman Manzini Zungu partners with University of Johannessburg to promote African storytelling. Image: Supplied A prominent KwaZulu-Natal businessman Manzini Zungu has partnered with University of Johannesburg (UJ) for creative work, particularly storytelling projects. Zungu, a relative of Amazulu Football Club owner, Sandile Zungu, owns several Spar retail shops under his company Spar Pacina Retail in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape, however, he has spread his wings and ventured into the creative industry. He has partnered with UJ, producing storytelling projects for university students. Zungu described his research and collaboration with the university as a landmark in his efforts to nurture African storytelling. He said his collaboration with UJ's Faculty of Humanities aims to unearth and develop young storytellers through creative activism and Afrocentric narratives. Led by Professor Suzy Graham, the project includes literature initiatives based on the uShaka Inkosi Yamakhosi film which Zungu produced in 2021, fostering new creative perspectives among the university students. The film is on Netflix. 'The partnership emphasises creativity as a 21st-century workforce skill, with UJ students engaging in projects that blend storytelling with educational activism,' said Zungu. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading He has published his first book Shaka Inkosi yamaKhosi (Shaka, the king of kings) which is based on extracts of his film. He has also devised several marketing strategies for McDonald's restaurants. Zungu is also a UJ Research Associate and has partnered with the Salvation Army church in Soweto where he serves as musical director of the Soweto Central Chorus. Through his Manzini Zungu Foundation, the businessman also supports cultural preservation through projects like uShaka Inkosi Yamakhosi, ensuring African stories reach global audiences. The foundation was established in 2018. The foundation also supports rural communities especially in remote areas of Mthatha and Ngqeleni in the Eastern Cape. Zungu shot into prominence when he scored a lucrative schools nutrition tender in KwaZulu-Natal in 2023 but later pulled out after a protracted battle with the provincial education department.
