Kamanee Govender Explores Apartheid, Trauma and Healing in Debut Novel Stern Gods - 20 July 2026

Author, filmmaker and creative director Kamanee Govender joins us to discuss her powerful debut novel, Stern Gods. Set during the 1985 State of Emergency in apartheid South Africa, the novel follows eleven-year-old Kaathi Pillay as she navigates life in the Indian township of Bombayville. Kamanee shares the inspiration behind the story, explores themes of trauma, religion, patriarchy and resilience, and reflects on how the experiences of South African Indian communities during apartheid continue to resonate today. She also explains why Stern Gods is a timely and important read for modern South Africa.