Thekgang Talking Podcast

Publishing, translation and adaptation: Taking a seat at the book value-chain tableBooks do not exist in isolation. They are part of a larger ecosystem that includes publishing, translation, adaptation, rights management, distribution and audience development.In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Karabo Kgoleng speaks to Nozizwe Jele about the importance of understanding the full book value chain and the opportunities available to creators beyond writing.The conversation explores how stories travel across languages through translation, how books can be adapted into other formats, and why creators must engage with every stage of the literary ecosystem.For anyone interested in publishing, rights, storytelling and creative entrepreneurship, this episode offers valuable insight into how books create value long after they are written.Credits - Executive Producers (for Thekgang NPO):Lorraine Sithole, Terry-Ann Adams and Melvin KabweThekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Mofokeng and Moleleki explore writing and publishing in Sesotho for young readers. The conversation reflects on the importance of indigenous language literature in shaping literacy, imagination and identity, particularly for children and youth audiences. From representation and accessibility to publishing challenges and reading culture, the episode highlights the importance of creating engaging stories that young readers can experience in languages familiar to them.The episode also sits within a broader reflection on language as part of how communities learn, communicate and preserve cultural continuity.Executive Producers (for Thekgang NPO): Lorraine Sithole, Terry-Ann Adams and Melvin KabweThekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Karabo Kgoleng speaks to Siphokazi Jonas about adapting books into audiobooks and the growing role of audio in contemporary publishing. The conversation explores the craft of audiobook production, including voice, pacing, interpretation and performance, while reflecting on how listening reshapes the experience of storytelling. The episode also considers the relationship between audiobooks and African oral storytelling traditions, positioning audio literature as both contemporary and deeply rooted in existing cultural practices.Executive Producers (for Thekgang NPO):Lorraine Sithole, Terry-Ann Adams and Melvin KabweThekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Literature that literally moves us and alternative lexicons… but alternative to what?In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Karabo Kgoleng speaks to Dr Sipho Sithole about literature, language and the politics of cultural legitimacy.The conversation explores the idea of “alternative lexicons” and questions the systems that define what is considered mainstream, standard or marginal within literature and publishing.From African languages and knowledge systems to visibility and access, this episode reflects on how stories move through society — and how language shapes the way we understand the world.Executive Producers: Lorraine Sithole, Terry-Ann Adams & Melvin Kabwe. For Thekgang NPC – www.thekgang.org.zaThekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Children’s books play a foundational role in shaping imagination, identity and early literacy.In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Lorraine Sithole and Refilwe Moahloli explore how language influences the way children experience stories, with a focus on the importance of books in multiple languages.The conversation highlights the need for accessible, representative and engaging children’s literature that reflects the diversity of South African readers.From storytelling to publishing, this episode reflects on how books help shape how children see themselves and the world around them.Executive producers: Lorraine Sithole, Terry-Ann Adams & Melvin KabweThekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Lorato Trok and Tuelo Gabonewe explore the preservation of the Setswana language through writing and publishing.The conversation focuses on language as identity, writing as a tool for preservation, and the importance of building systems that support indigenous literature.Released in the period following Freedom Day, the episode also sits within a broader moment of reflection — where the ability to create, publish and communicate in one’s own language forms part of how freedom is experienced and sustained.Executive producers are Lorraine Sithole, Terry-Ann Adams and Melvin Kabwe.Thekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Freedom Month invites reflection not only on political history, but on cultural and intellectual freedom.In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Vonani Bila and Given Mukwevho explore writing and publishing in indigenous South African languages, with a focus on access, ownership, and sustainability. As we mark World Book and Copyright Day (23 April), World Intellectual Property Day (26 April), and Freedom Day (27 April), this conversation highlights the importance of building publishing systems that support African voices.From independent publishing to emerging writers, this episode examines how literary ecosystems shape whose stories are told — and who gets heard.Thekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writing and publishing in indigenous languages are vital acts of cultural preservation and intellectual sovereignty. They transform spoken heritage into lasting records, ensuring that stories, knowledge, and identity are passed on to future generations.In this episode of Thekgang Talking, we are joined by Ayanda Xaba, an award-winning self-published author, and Nathi Oliphant, a seasoned journalist and novelist, to explore the importance of writing in isiZulu and the broader role of indigenous languages in literature.Ayanda shares her journey from a young writer to an award-winning author committed to telling the stories of African women, while Nathi reflects on his transition from journalism to fiction and the themes behind his novel Blood, Blades and Bullets.Together, they discuss the challenges, opportunities, and cultural significance of publishing in indigenous South African languages.This episode is a compelling exploration of language, identity, and storytelling in contemporary Africa.Thekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.