KELETSO THOBEGA PUBLISHES REBIRTH
Journalist and writer Keletso Thobega, has released her debut book titled REBIRTH. The book is published by newly established multi-media indie publishing imprint, Kitso Publishing.
The book cover was conceptualised and designed by Koketso Sheleni. The editing was done by Amber Moonchild, and editorial consultancy by Betty Keletso Knight.
REBIRTH will be available on digital platforms and select bookstores following the official launch.
The literary non-fiction book is a collection of the most insightful stories that Thobega has covered in the past 8 years as a journalist. Noted Thobega: “The experience of the reader is often like that of a restaurant diner who enjoys a perfectly prepared meal, oblivious to the “madness” that goes on in the kitchen… “The stories are regaled from a journalist’s perspective, so I also shed light on my interactions with interviewees, the ‘headlines and deadlines’ complex, and the less glamorous parts of newsroom culture.”
Most of the stories in the book are of ordinary yet interesting Batswana, who have shown great fortitude during the most difficult times in their lives.“The content documents how they emotionally, mentally and spiritually capacitated themselves to overcome insurmountable challenges. Some of them hit rock bottom, but like a phoenix, they rose from the ashes. Theirs are beautiful stories of faith, perseverance and victory; people who went from grass to grace by turning over a new leaf, hence the title, REBIRTH.
Essentially, the stories capture the essence of human resilience.”
Said Thobega: “The idea for this collection was inspired by the fact there are many aweinspiring, empowering and positive stories in our midst that go undocumented. “Also, I know that as I get older, I will have ambitions beyond working in a newsroom - so, I thought it important to compile the stories while they are still relevant , and fresh in my mind.” “The hope is that everyone who reads this book will be inspired and uplifted, and also be motivated to truly live, and pursue their purpose, passion, peace and truth, even with the odds stacked against them.”
***Thobega’s creative writing has been published in the Botswana Women Write anthology, Petlwana Journal for Creative writing in Botswana, Poetry Potion and Consciousness.co.za, among others. She has also participated in the Black Consciousness ‘writivism’ bootcamp, UNFPA popular literature programme, Poetavango Writers’ workshop and Merck Foundation Writing Masterclass.