Her book was named the number one Xitsonga novel

Makhanani Mahlaule is the author of Ri Khendla Khendla Leri, which won the 2021 ViaAfrika competition and was chosen as the number 1 Xitsonga novel. It takes on unemployment, child maintenance, womanizing and instant gratification. She is now the lead actress and director of an upcoming Xitsonga drama, Mati na Oyili, Water and Oil. Through her books and her visual art, she says, she aims to teach and to heal.

She describes herself as a young lady from the deep rurals, drawn to media and politics. She holds a BA in Political Leadership and Citizenship, a National N Diploma in Human Resource Management, and an Archives and Records Management Certificate.

“A girl from the dusty streets of Kheyi to the world”

Makhanani Mahlaule

Her reason for studying HR, she says, was "so that I can be an entrepreneur and create jobs", but coming from "a very financially disadvantaged family" she has not been able to start a small business.

That is what she usually calls herself, "simply reminding myself that my background does not define me," she says.

"I also love fighting for the betterment of my fellow young people and the community as a whole," she says. And, as she puts it, "no dream is too big or small as long as you are determined".