African Writers You Should Know: Niq Mhlongo

South African writer, Niq Mhlongo has been dubbed “the new voice of post-apartheid South Africa” though it is a description he is not that comfortable with. His four books: Dog Eat Dog, After Tears, Way Back Home and his short story collection that recently came out, Affluenza, are set in Soweto, where he was born and raised.

The books deal with issues facing the people there, issues such as unemployment, xenophobia, HIV/AIDS, corruption, and racism. His books have been well received and widely reviewed,  with his first book Dog Eat Dog being translated into Spanish and going on to win the Mar Des Lettras literary prize in that country.

He’s a highly entertaining participant at literary festivals around South Africa, the continent, and overseas. Mhlongo received a BA in African Literature from the University of Witwatersrand and went on to study law at the University of Cape Town. He never finished his course to become a lawyer and instead took time out to write his first book Dog Eat Dog, which was published by Kwela (as all of his books are) and the rest, as the say, is history. I interviewed him recently about his writing, his country and his current book tour.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up