06 Mar 2025

Award winning author Dr Lesedi Gaeemelwe’s journey as a children’s storyteller has led her to a remarkable milestone.

She has been invited to the Johannesburg International Festival (JIF) of Women Writers, a space dedicated to amplifying the voices of female storytellers. As the world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, her participation in this festival serves as a powerful reminder of how literature can shape narratives, empower women and preserve African heritage.

She said in an interview that her invitation to the festival which is slated for March 8-9 came after she took the initiative to reach out to the JIF, expressing her passion for storytelling and the impact such a platform could have on her work.

Dr Gaeemelwe shared that she did not expect a personal response from the esteemed writer, diplomat, and founder of the festival, Barbara Masekela, who also happens to be the sister to the late Jazz maestro, Hugh Masekela.

“I was deeply honoured to receive a response directly from her as the founder of the festival,” she said.

She said the African Women’s writing in the 21st Century resonated deeply with her work as a contemporary African writer. Dr Gaeemelwe said for far too long, women’s stories had often been told from an external perspective, limiting them to roles of victimhood or secondary influence.

So she said as a writer, she believed that when women told their own stories, they reclaimed their place in history and society, showcasing leadership, resilience, and the undeniable impact they have on shaping communities. At the festival, Dr Gaeemelwe will take part in the children’s storytelling section, a space that holds a special place in her heart.

She said she would be reading from her debut book, Little Ngwana Stories, and would share the stage with legendary South African storyteller Gcina Mhlophe, a woman she grew up watching on television programmes like Kideo.

“The opportunity to work alongside someone who influenced my childhood is both surreal and deeply fulfilling,” she shared.

Dr Gaeemelwe also said she would also collaborate with celebrated children’s authors such as Buhle Ngaba and Amonge Sinxoto, reinforcing the importance of African literature for young readers. For her, storytelling is not just an art, but also a tool for women’s empowerment and she believed that literature has long dictated a singular narrative about African women, often depicting them in limited roles.

Dr Gaeemelwe believed that writing their own stories allowed women to challenge these portrayals and present a more truthful and powerful reflection of themselves. Through her book readings, she hoped to inspire young minds, teaching them valuable moral lessons while instilling pride in their identity.

Beyond the festival, Dr Gaeemelwe is committed to expanding the reach of African literature and hoped to have her work featured in more anthologies and ultimately adapted into a television series, ensuring that African stories are told across different media.

Her participation in this festival is not just about her personal growth but also about paving the way for future generations of African writers. She said she believed that information was one of the most powerful tools in shaping the world, and when used effectively, it could build communities, preserve culture, and inspire generations.

With every word she writes, Dr Lesedi Gaeemelwe is making sure that African women’s voices are not only heard but also celebrated. ENDS