Mosimanegape Leeuw, a diamond from the ashes of a small village called Kamden in Kuruman, Northern Cape, proudly raised the province’s flag high as they launched his debut poetry collection titled: Behind The Dark.
Leeuw developed his love for writing at the tender age of 12, following his battle against anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“My interests in writing were evident from a young age hence I started attending workshops to hone my skills and joined various book clubs to understand my audience,” he said.
Last year, Leeuw was chosen as a class leader and a week later, was chosen as the RCL President at his school. A month later, he was chosen as the RCL president of John Taolo Gaetsewe District.
“This was the moment that changed my life forever.
I met Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign(QLTC) coordinator of the Northern Cape, Yolanda Slade at the National RCL conference in Pretoria, hosted by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). She then introduced me to Chief Director of Examinations, Portia Phuzi who was impressed by my life story and ensured that my work and I were taken care of, Leew explained.
The Northern Cape Department of Education was proud to honour the young man cultivated from one of their branches, Hoërskool Noord Kaap/ Northern Cape High School.
“We are honoured to have Mosimanegape as our own and eagerly anticipate his continued ascent up the literacy ladder, ” department said.
The Grade 10 learner who has just launched his book titled ‘Behind The Dark’ , describes it as ‘a captivating poetry collection that bravely illuminates the struggles faced by teenagers hidden beneath the surface’.
“ ‘Behind The Dark’ is a reminder that there is light even in the murkiest of places. It breathes life into the unspoken truths that often haunt young minds and offers a gentle reminder that brighter days lie ahead. With each verse, this collection becomes a guiding star, leading teenagers towards a path of self-discovery, self-love, and ultimately, their own resilience,” concluded Leeuw.