Tlotlisang David Mhlambiso

Tlotlisang David Mhlambiso, 25, is crafting a legacy through language, literature and learning — from the rural village of Tlokoeng in the Eastern Cape to national literary platforms. A master’s candidate in subject education (languages) at the University of the Free State, he is one of South Africa’s most promising young voices in multilingual literacy and African story- telling. Tlotlisang has authored four books: Ukuphuma Kwelanga, Phind’ ubhale, Zizinto Zobomi, and A Journey Worth the Ride — a multilingual short story collection launched at the National Arts Festival and Amazwi South African Museum of Literature. His writing is rooted in identity, imagination and access, and his outreach reflects that commitment. Through school-based poetry workshops, book donations, and partnerships with platforms such as iCAN and the Academy for Multilingualism, Tlotlisang champions literacy education across rural and township schools. His efforts have earned him national recognition, including NYDA Trailblazer, Sunday World Unsung Hero, UFS Student of the Year, and a spot among the 100 South African Shining Stars. Tlotlisang writes to honour the past, uplift the present, and illuminate the way forward.

• Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and FET (English and Psychology), University of the Free State (*cum laude)
• Bachelor of Education Honours in Curriculum Studies, University of the Free State
• Master’s in Subject Education in Languages, in progress, University of the Free State (*in progress)

• Published three poetry books: Ukuphuma Kwelanga, Phind’ ubhale and Zizinto Zobomi — the most recent supported by the National Library of South Africa and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
• Published a multilingual short story collection, A Journey Worth the Ride, through the University of the Free State and iCAN (Initiative for Creative African Narratives), alongside other co-authored South African and international publications
• Launched three titles — Ukuphuma Kwelanga, Phind’ ubhale and A Journey Worth the Ride — at the National Arts Festival and Amazwi South African Museum of Literature in Makhanda
• Named a Top 20 Young Leader in 2024 by JCI (Junior Chamber International)
• Recognised by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in 2023 as a National Trailblazer in the education sector
• Selected as one of the 100 South African Shining Stars (2023) for contributions to youth and cultural development
• Awarded Student of the Year 2023 by the University of the Free State Executive Director of Student Affairs, for embodying the university’s Vision 130, with impact in innovation, excellence, and advancing African narratives globally

• Dr Peet van Aardt — head of WriteSite, iCAN coordinator and english lecturer and Nthabiseng JahRose Jafta, the UFS African Languages Press publishing coordinator, creative strategist, accredited facilitator and poet. They have immensely impacted and influenced my writing journey through their support, one-on-one consultations and creative writing workshops that they have presented
• Prof. Leketi Makalela’s academic publications are centered around the inseparability of African languages that can be used in one setting for meaning-making purposes
• My parents’ multilingualism often expressed scolding me and my siblings – helped nurture a deep appreciation for the rhythm and richness of African languages