The Afrikaans young adult novel, Misdaad/Liefdaad, written by Mrs Joanne Lombard, Head of the Language Unit in the Unit for Academic Literacy, was selected for publication as part of the 2024 Publishing Hub literature initiative (an initiative of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the Academic and Non-Fiction Authors Association of South Africa). Manuscripts were selected in the categories Xitsonga, Tshivenda, isiXhosa, Sesotho, Sepedi, Siswati, Setswana, isiZulu, English, Afrikaans and isiNdebele, subsequently developed and published, and finally launched at a ceremony at Freedom Park on 26 November (see the list of authors below). The project, under the auspices of the Honourable Minister Mr Gayton McKenzie, aims to display a true reflection of the collective South African heritage.

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Misdaad/Liefdaad, published by Cover2Cover Books, is a South African coming-of-age story about an eleven-year-old girl whose world is turned upside down when burglars target their neighbourhood, and her sister is admitted to a rehabilitation clinic. Determined to make a difference, she dreams up inventions to stop crime and restores broken toys for children in need. As she navigates family struggles and new friendships, she discovers that small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Reviewers felt that her journey of problem-solving, community support, and personal growth shows that even the youngest members of a community play an important part and that her innovative mindset and passion for technology make her an inspiring role model for girls.

Photo: From left to right: ANFASA's chairperson, Prof Sihawukele Ngubane; next, the Acting Director-General of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), Dr Cynthia Khumalo; then Mrs Joanne Lombard; and on the far right, DSAC's Director: Books and Publishing, Ms Catherine Mokoena.

                                                                                                            Mrs Joanne Lombard

The following authors received awards:

Xitsonga:

Goodness Milambo, for HI LO HELEKETANA

Musa Aubrey Baloyi for XILONDZA XA LE NHOMPFIN

Tshivenda:

Necodemus Pho Tsedu for RI TALA NGA TSHANNGEGE

Shakandinnyi Ramulifho for ZWANDA ZWA MALOFHA

isiXhosa:

Sipho R Kekezwa for LIDE LIDALA LADA LALIMALA

Luvuyo Mzinjani for INTLUNGU ZOBOMI

Sesotho:

Cally Maitse, Teboho Josias Mahapa and Julia Matnsali Modise for MERETHETHO YA DITHOTHOKISO

Kagisho Kolwane for NKGONO MANTSOPA KE KOENA-DI-FULE

Sepedi:

M H Hlaka for TAU AHLAMA

Mosila Cacius Gafane for MEETSE A MOKGAKO

Siswati:

Florence Longwe for IMPHINDZISELO (REVENGE)

Nuku Dan Magagula for KUBE BENGATI

Setswana

Mosidi Pearl Joale for BOKANG BO RE SETSE

Seakgwe Phalatse for MENOMASWEU

isiZulu:

Sbahle Mhlongo for EMPHANDWENI WEZINGONYAMA

Themba Qwabe, Nkosenhle Zibani and others for AYIHLOME

English: Hidayatoela Adams for ELEPHANT EARS

Afrikaans: Joanne Lombard for MISDAAD/LIEFDAAD

!Xuhn Thali, Khwedam, Nama: DANTAGOS

isiNdebele:

Sipho Themba Nkambule for UTSOBE

Sphiwe Mokoneng for UMKARISOMRARO