Rafiek Mammon is a South African playwright, children’s‑book author, educator and arts journalist whose writing spans theatre and children’s literature. With an M.Phil in modern teaching philosophies from University of Stellenbosch and a BA from University of Cape Town, he has worked as journalism lecturer and arts editor before devoting himself to theatre and storytelling. […]
Donvé Lee is the South African author of ‘The Unfolding Man – the life and art of Dan Rakgoathe’ as well as numerous children’s books. She has post-graduate degrees in Art History and Creative Writing and lives in Noordhoek in the Cape Peninsula where she feasts on silence, the sea and chocolate marble cheesecake.
An author and illustrator deeply inspired by South Africa’s people, landscapes, and wildlife, she views children as complex, capable individuals who can easily sense authenticity. Though not born in South Africa, it is her home and the source of much of her creative inspiration. Her books often reflect the real challenges faced by many South […]
Ousmane Diarra born in 1960 in a village in the heart of the Sahel region of Mali, is a distinguished Malian author, poet, storyteller and short story writer. After losing both parents at the age of two, he was raised by his grandparents. He pursued studies in Modern Literature at the Normale Supérieure and later […]
Nonikiwe Mashologu is a South African author literacy advocate and cultural leader dedicated to enriching children’s literature and promoting reading for enjoyment. With over a decade of experience in the field she has contributed significantly to early literacy initiatives and the development of diverse locally relevant stories for young readers. Mashologu is the author of […]
Ntombizanele Nkence is a South African author known for her contributions to children’s literature. Her works often explore themes of friendship, kindness, and cultural narratives.
Katrina Esau, affectionately known as Ouma Katrina, is a South African cultural icon dedicated to preserving the N|uu language, one of the world’s oldest and most endangered tongues. Born in 1933 in Upington, Northern Cape, she is recognized as the last fluent speaker of N|uu, a language of the San people that nearly disappeared due […]
Dr NM Msimang is a writer academic producer and broadcaster who holds degrees from the University of Cape Town (UCT) the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and has a PhD in African Literature from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). DR NM Msimang is also the Director of Special Projects and Fundraising for PUKU.
Nompumelelo Zama is a South African author known for her contribution to children’s literature. She co-authored the book “Laduma!” with Elton Leeman which is part of the “New African Stories” series. The story follows Peter a young boy who dreams of becoming a soccer star but faces challenges due to a lack of proper equipment. […]
Niki Daly (1946–2024) was a beloved South African author and illustrator whose children’s books celebrated everyday life, imagination, and cultural diversity. His work is known for its warmth, humour, and ability to reflect the world through a child’s eyes. His works often depicted the vibrant and diverse experiences of children in South Africa earning him […]
Nicolaas Maritz (born 1959, Pretoria) is a South African author, illustrator, fine artist and musician based in Darling, Western Cape. A graduate of the University of Cape Town’s Michaelis School of Fine Art, Maritz began exhibiting publicly in 1976 and has since become known for his vibrant multi-media work (painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture) and award-winning […]
Michelle Schwartz is a children’s book author known for her work, Lindiwe Our Hero! published in August 2005. The story follows tourists Tomas and Anneke during their stay at Makhulu’s Bed and Breakfast.
Mabel Mnensa is a South African writer and storyteller whose work celebrates identity, imagination, and African heritage. Born in Johannesburg to Malawian parents, she grew up surrounded by rich oral storytelling traditions that continue to inspire her writing. She holds an MA in English Literature from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and an MA in Creative […]
Welcome to Puku’s new website and children’s bookstore. We are excited to introduce a rich selection of children’s books in South African languages, to readers young and old.
