Katlego Malatji is a 20-year-old author from Limpopo Province. She is a first-born daughter, a survivor, who writes to heal and show others they are not alone. People judged her by her background.
"I've been writing since I was 7 years old. I was just too young to understand that writing was the road that would lead me to my true self. Storytelling chose me before I even knew what it was", she said.
"At first, I wanted to be a doctor because of my mother. The pills are part of her life-if it were not for them, I do not know if I would still have her. I realized I did not want to be a doctor. I wanted it for her sake", she added.
Katlego is using writing as part of her healing process because she faced many challenges growing up. She finds solace in writing.
"I write about poverty, survival, love, and finding yourself when the world tells you that you can't. Books like Too Late To Remember, Finding My Way Back To You and Beauty Lies In The Eye Of The Beholder come from real pain. These themes are important because people from poor backgrounds and rural areas need to see themselves in books. They need to know their story matters", she said.
Katlego is hoping that her work will have an impact on young people, especially from rural communities. She also want them to always be strong and courageous no matter what.
"Do not give up. If Katlego from Limpopo can do it, you also can do it. In five years, I see myself as a full-time author helping other authors. I submitted my novel Daddy's Baby Brother's Wife to Netflix and eTV because I want it to be a film. I am still waiting for their response and I won't stop checking my email. My mission is to build something that supports writers like me, because it's not easy, but together we can make it", she concluded.
You can connect with her on WhatsApp: 0664227825, or email katlegomalatji457@gmail.com