Teen poet makes literary history

A 14-year old student at St Stephen High School in Mohale’s Hoek has achieved a milestone rarely seen at her age – authoring and publishing a poetry book.

Grade 9 learner Busisiwe Nhlapo has released ‘The Echoes of Her Heart’, an anthology of poems, that reflects her life, emotions, and inspirations.

The book, her first publication, has already drawn admiration for its depth and creativity, setting her apart as one of Lesotho’s youngest published poets.

Busisiwe’s father, Dr Mzamane Nhlapo, a respected author in his own right, has been a strong influence on her writing journey. But it was the challenges of moving from Botha-Bothe to Mohale’s Hoek that sparked her creative voice.

According to her English Language and Literature teacher, Tšele Phalo Faso, the transition was not easy, but it gave Busisiwe the emotional spark to begin writing poetry.

“The text portrays a young girl’s life and school experiences, while also celebrating the people who inspire her every day. Her tone is soft yet bold, and her voice evokes deep emotions tied to the aspirations of a young girl,” Faso explained.

Faso, who has taught Busisiwe across different grades, described her as humble and caring, noting that success has not changed her character.

He praised her use of free rhyme, end rhyme, and figurative language, which give her poems both freshness and maturity.

The book’s publication was made possible through a collaboration between Faso and Ntsie Phetoane, CEO of Word In Creative Africa. Both men edited her work at different stages, ensuring the text was polished while retaining Busisiwe’s authentic voice.

Her achievement is even more striking considering that earlier this year she came third in the Petroleum Fund Poetry Competition, showing that her talent is already being recognised on national platforms.

Speaking at the book’s launch, Busisiwe expressed excitement about sharing her work with a wider audience.

“The book is already available, and some copies were sold at the launch. Plans are in motion to distribute it to bookshops around the country. The Soyinka Book Club Bar will also feature it, offering readers a chance to engage with my writing,” she said.

She hopes her success inspires other young Basotho to follow their creative passions.

“Age should not be a barrier to expressing yourself or reaching your goals,” she noted.

For those who have read it, The Echoes of Her Heart is more than just a debut; it is a bold statement from a young voice already carving a space in Lesotho’s literary landscape. Its themes of identity, hope, and inspiration are universal, yet they carry the distinct rhythm of a teenager growing into her voice and finding power in words.

Busisiwe’s journey is a reminder that literature in Lesotho is alive and evolving, with fresh voices continuing to shape its future.

And at just 14, she has shown that the courage to write and the discipline to publish can inspire a generation.