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uHlanga

South African poetry since 2014
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Photo of Koleka Putuma by Andiswa Mkosi. Photo of Rosa Lyster by Ben Stanwix. Photo of Francine Simon supplied by author.

Announcing debut collections from Koleka Putuma, Rosa Lyster & Francine Simon

August 15, 2016

uHlanga's stable of new South African voices is growing. Today we are thrilled to announce the upcoming publication of three debut collections from exceptional young women: Koleka Putuma, Rosa Lyster, and Francine Simon.

Lyster's collection, Modern Rasputin, comes out late-November 2016. Simon's collection, Thungachi, is slated for release in February 2017. Putuma's as-yet-untitled book will be out in April 2017.

Rosa Lyster (b. 1984) is a writer born in Durban. She is currently a PhD student at the University of Cape Town, and works as a staff writer at Prufrock, and as contributor to the Sunday Times, the Hairpin, Casimir and Between 10 and 5. Her poems have appeared in the uHlanga magazine, the Toast, and elsewhere. She writes an essay a week on her website, rosalyster.com. Follow her on Twitter at @rosalyster.

Francine Simon (b. 1990) grew up in Durban. Her poetry has been published widely in South African magazines and anthologies. Currently she is a PhD candidate at the University of Stellenbosch. Her debut reading will take place at David Krut Projects on 18 August 2016, with Stephen Symons. She will also be appearing at the uHlanga showcase at the McGregor Poetry Festival on 27 August. Follow her on Twitter at @WriterGirlRose.

Koleka Putuma (b. 1993) is a director, writer and performance poet. In 2014, she became South Africa's first national slam poetry champion. Her poem "Water" won her the PEN SA Student Writing Award (video below). Her plays – which include UHM and Mbuzeni – resulted in a nomination for the Rosalie van der Gucht Prize for Best New Directors at the annual Fleur Du Cap Theatre Awards in 2015. She is currently a resident poet and creative director of poetry collective Lingua Franca, and the co-founder of The Papercut Collective theatre company. Follow her on Twitter at @KPutuma.

We are exceptionally proud to have all three writers on board with uHlanga. Expect more news about each collection as their release dates approach.

← uHlanga x David Krut Poetry Evenings #3: Shirmoney Rhode & Helen MoffettAnnouncing: Prunings, by Helen Moffett →

About uHlanga

uHlanga is a small South African poetry press run by Nick Mulgrew.

Our books are available to order from all retail bookstores in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Our distributors are Protea Distribution in Cape Town and can be reached at +2721 001 7618.

Outside of South Africa, many of our books are available print-on-demand through the African Books Collective.


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Open Book needs us — and we need Open Book!

For over a decade, Open Book Festival has been a cornerstone of literary life in Cape Town and across Southern Africa.

uHlanga and our poets have always found a home at Open Book: on stages, in conv
Open Book needs us — and we need Open Book! For over a decade, Open Book Festival has been a cornerstone of literary life in Cape Town and across Southern Africa. uHlanga and our poets have always found a home at Open Book: on stages, in conversations, and in the generous spirit that defines the festival. Now, they're asking for support to keep that spirit alive. If you believe in literature that speaks to our time and place, consider contributing to their crowdfunding campaign. Let’s help ensure this extraordinary space for words and ideas continues! For sponsorship enquiries, contact Frankie at: frankie@openbookfestival.co.za | To donate, head to our link in bio. #uHlanga #poetry #poemspoemspoems #OpenBook #OpenBookLiteraryFestival
“the blossom knows not the violence 
it has done unto the bud
this is what it means to bloom”

In a riotous, innovative and unapologetic display of self-exposure, self-examination and self-love, @kopano.maroga appropriates and creates a (
“the blossom knows not the violence it has done unto the bud this is what it means to bloom” In a riotous, innovative and unapologetic display of self-exposure, self-examination and self-love, @kopano.maroga appropriates and creates a (sometimes literal) collage of religious imagery, sexual want, and embodiedness – eventually widening their gaze to encompass the realities faced by black, queer, femme and trans folk in South Africa and further afield. Indeed, these are poems of pain, loss, introspection, and regret; but they are also works of great and usual beauty, depth, desire, and ambition – in sum, the evidence of a powerful new voice in South African poetry. 📗 Buy ‘Jesus Thesis and Other Critical Fabulations’ now at our link in bio. Author 📸 by Katinka Bester #uHlanga #poetry #poemspoemspoems #KopanoMaroga #poet #JesusThesisPoems
We’re proud to announce that Dayspring by C.J. Driver — co-published with @@karavanpress — has made the longlist for the 2025 Sunday Times Literary Award for Nonfiction.

A warm congratulations to all the longlisted writers!
We’re proud to announce that Dayspring by C.J. Driver — co-published with @@karavanpress — has made the longlist for the 2025 Sunday Times Literary Award for Nonfiction. A warm congratulations to all the longlisted writers!

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