South African writer Suzan Skhosana Wins "Pen Legends in Africa - Unlock the Storytellers in Africa" award

Suzan Skhosana, an author from Kgabalatsane Village, Madibeng, North West Province in South Africa, has been awarded the "Pen Legends in Africa - Unlock the Storytellers in Africa" award at the 7th African Honoree Authors' Awards 2024.

The award was presented on July 31st at the Mandela Square Sandton Library, honoring Skhosana's latest book, "Don't Call Me a Chambermaid," published in Nairobi, Kenya, by Ssalie Publishing in partnership with UNISA. 

This achievement marks Skhosana's 12th award. "Don't Call Me a Chambermaid" tells the story of her aunt, Mrs. Magdalene Mokone Makoe, (Koko Maggy), a heroine of the South African liberation struggle. Working in the hotel industry during the 1970s, Magdalene faced apartheid's brutal discrimination and gender-based violence. The house keeping staff, most of them women, bore the brunt of the atrocities that were committed under segregation. Koko Maggy spoke out and took a leadership stance and suffered the consequences of the apartheid regime. The book tells her story in detail and with passion.

“I took it as my mission to research, document and thereby preserve the precious slice of history of the unsung heroes and heroines from the rural South African villages of North West Kgabalatsane, Hebron and Rabokala and the neighboring communities,” said Suzan.

Suzan has initially written ten books, two of which have been published: "Poko 'a Sekwena 2021" and "Don’t call me a chambermaid in 2023”. Her third book, "THE KGASI BIOGRAPHY," will be published soon, funded by the National Heritage Council.

She founded PAS African Authors Cultural Club, which aims to expand literature in North West Province. The club plans to host the Annual North West Book Festival. Suzan said she was inspired by the Abantu book festival and wants to see a surge in literary awards won by writers from her province, particularly Madibeng-Bojanala district. “If Abantu book festival could start with less than ten creatives, then anything is possible through dedication and commitment,” she remarked.