Loba Mentorship Programme

Empowering the next generation of writers in indigenous languages

Overview

The Loba Mentorship Programme is the heart of Imilolozelo's (formerly IKhambi Writers Hub) commitment to youth development and literary arts education. Born from a simple idea—giving back to the community by means of educating the youth—this programme has grown into an ongoing, transformative experience for young writers across rural KwaZulu-Natal.

We believe that creative writing is more than self-expression. It is a fighting tool—a way for young people to name, confront, and transform the issues faced by their communities and the country at large.

What We Do

The Loba Mentorship Programme pairs novice writers (aged 18–35) with experienced mentors for a structured, supportive journey into the craft of writing. Over the course of the programme, participants:

  • Develop creative writing skills through one-on-one mentorship and group workshops

  • Write in their indigenous languages—isiZulu, isiXhosa, isiNdebele, and siSwati

  • Explore themes relevant to their lives including community challenges, identity, spirituality, and social change

  • Receive constructive feedback on their work from published writers and editors

  • Prepare their writing for publication in the IKhambi Literary Journal and other platforms

  • Join a community of creatives who share their linguistic and cultural heritage

Why It Matters

The Loba Mentorship Programme pairs novice writers (aged 18–35) with experienced mentors for a structured, supportive journey into the craft of writing. Over the course of the programme, participants:

  • Creating safe, affirming spaces for young people to write in the languages they dream in

  • Validating rural experiences as worthy of literature

  • Building confidence in young writers who have been told their voices don't matter

  • Connecting participants with mentors who look like them, speak like them, and understand their worlds

This is not just about producing better writers. It is about producing young people who believe their stories matter.

Programme Structure

Duration Ongoing (rolling intake)
Format One-on-one mentorship + group workshops
Language isiZulu, isiXhosa, isiNdebele, siSwati
Age 18–35 years
Location UMzimkhulu and surrounding rural areas
Cost Free for selected participants

Mentors and mentees meet regularly—in person where possible, or via phone and messaging where distance makes travel difficult. Group workshops are held quarterly, bringing the full cohort together for writing exercises, readings, and community building.

What Participants Say

"I used to think my story wasn't important because nothing dramatic happened. I just grew up in a village and went to school and helped my grandfather with the cattle. But when I wrote it down, I realised—that is enough. That is a story too."

— Sipho Mkhize, Loba Mentorship Programme participant, now published in IKhambi Literary Journal Vol. 1 & 2

"I used to think my story wasn't important because nothing dramatic happened. I just grew up in a village and went to school and helped my grandfather with the cattle. But when I wrote it down, I realised—that is enough. That is a story too."

— Amahle Dlamini, Loba Mentorship Programme participant

Mentor Spotlight

Our mentors are published writers, editors, and educators who share IKhambi's commitment to indigenous language literature. They include:

  • Kwazi Ndlangisa – Award-winning poet, author of Collecting Self and Vukani Kusile, founder of Imilolozelo (formerly IKhambi Writers Hub)

  • Contributors to the IKhambi Literary Journal – Past and current contributors who return to guide emerging voices

  • Community elders and language practitioners – Native speakers who bring deep cultural and linguistic knowledge

How to Apply

Applications for the Loba Mentorship Programme are accepted on a rolling basis. To apply, you will need:

  • A brief introduction about yourself (who you are, where you're from, why you want to write)

  • A sample of your writing (poem or short story, in any Nguni language)

  • A commitment to attending mentorship sessions and workshops

No previous publishing experience is required. You do not need to be fluent. You only need to be willing to begin.

Partner with Us

The Loba Mentorship Programme is offered free to participants thanks to the support of our funders and partners. If you would like to sponsor a young writer, contribute resources, or partner with us to expand the programme to new communities, we would love to hear from you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be fluent in my indigenous language to apply?

No. We welcome writers at all levels of fluency. What matters is your willingness to write and your desire to connect with your language.

Is there a cost to participate?

No. The programme is completely free for selected participants, thanks to our funders.

How long does the programme last?

Mentorship is ongoing. Some participants stay with us for a few months; others continue for years, eventually becoming mentors themselves.

Can I apply if I don't live in UMzimkhulu?

We prioritise participants from rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal, but we encourage applications from across the province.

Will my work be published?

While publication is not guaranteed, many participants go on to be featured in the IKhambi Literary Journal and other platforms.

Do I need to be fluent in my indigenous language to apply?

No. We welcome writers at all levels of fluency. What matters is your willingness to write and your desire to connect with your language.

Is there a cost to participate?

No. The programme is completely free for selected participants, thanks to our funders.

How long does the programme last?

Mentorship is ongoing. Some participants stay with us for a few months; others continue for years, eventually becoming mentors themselves.

Can I apply if I don't live in UMzimkhulu?

We prioritise participants from rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal, but we encourage applications from across the province. Where distance makes in-person meetings difficult, we accommodate remote mentorship.

Will my work be published?

While publication is not guaranteed, many participants go on to be featured in the IKhambi Literary Journal and other platforms.

Apply Now

Ready to begin your writing journey?

The Loba Mentorship Programme is an ongoing project of Imilolozelo (formerly IKhambi Writers Hub), made possible by the National Arts Council of South Africa, the National Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, and our community partners.

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Welcome to IKhambi Writers Hub’s blog! This is where we take you straight to the midst of our cultural literally arts events where we celebrate our spirituality and everything that makes us be. If you missed it, this blog will help you feel the experience and if you were there, we will take you back every time you read our blog!

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