By Li Si
Lesedi Setlhodi-Paul, from Kuaneng in Taung, North West, has a diverse background in media and literature. She obtained a Media Consultant Qualification from Boston City Campus in 2010 and a B.A. in Social Work from the University of the Free State in 2014. Her career includes roles as a journalist, news anchor, and presenter at Vaaltar FM, as well as freelance work for Taung DailyNews and Tomboi Magazine.
In 2016, she co-founded UNRECO Magazine, where she served as Editor in Chief, focusing on recognizing global talent and artistry. Setlhodi-Paul has also edited several books including Diary of a Zulu Girl books and Discord II, all books by Mike Maphoto; she also edited Diary of a Cheating Wife by Londiwe Xaba, Siphelele Masango and Book Launch by Charmaine Mrwebi.
Her first book, Being an African in the 21st Century: Modern African, explores themes of identity, parenting, marriage, and patriarchy. The book was launched in September of last year at the Central University of Technology in Welkom, Free State, and has sold over 200 copies nationwide.
The book arose from Setlhodi-Paul’s quest to understand traditions and customs, driven by questions she found unanswered by elders. Setlhodi-Paul attributes her passion for writing to her mother, who emphasized the importance of reading and provided numerous books for her to read aloud.
Despite the significant challenge of finding a publisher, which she overcame through persistence and support, she remains dedicated to proofreading, editing, and ghost-writing. She acknowledges the potential difficulty in writing another book but continues to inspire others by suggesting that even reading a page a day can lead to significant literary achievements.
“Through this book I hope that we get to do some self-introspection as Africans. It is crucial to know where we are coming from so that we know where we are going.”
Lesedi Setlhodi-Paul 078 5963 582 – WhatsApp
The Guardian 