Brümilda Swartbooi
Isaac Lekgothoane is a dedicated City official by day and a passionate writer and storyteller by night.
As a Communications Ambassador in Region F in the office of the Ombudsman, Isaac’s job is to engage with communities through outreach programmes and educate residents about the role and services of the Ombudsman’s office.
He says his work closely ties with his love for writing. Isaac believes that everyday experiences in local communities inspire much of his storytelling. He published his first book, Only If I can Sing, a collection of short stories in August 2024. The book is in English and Sepedi. It seeks to instill a culture of reading and writing among the youth. The journey the characters in the book embark on symbolises endurance, self-determination, and a continuous pursuit of success against all odds.
“The book covers topics like teenage pregnancy, community participation and motivation. It is through the lens of general occurrences in communities,” Isaac explains.
The book was launched on Amazon as an online purchase before it was available to buy as a hard copy. Isaac sees this as a way to make his work accessible to a wide audience.
He believes his interest in writing stems from his background in communication. Isaac holds a degree in Media Studies from the University of Limpopo and an Honours degree in Communication. His love for writing also draws inspiration from Maya Angelou’s poem Caged Bird, which speaks to the themes of freedom and self-expression.
In addition to his work in communication, Isaac has experience in marketing and graphic design. He hails from Limpopo and grew up with five siblings. He fondly recalls the support and encouragement he received from his parents.
“We had supportive parents. They wanted us to do well in school. What I loved about them is that they helped us with homework and encouraged us to read aloud and read for understanding.”
Isaac’s first book has sold over 30 copies of the first 50 printed books and says he feels grateful for the support he has received. He is working on another book, titled The Blackmailed Daughter, which he hopes to publish soon.
Outside of work and writing, Isaac describes himself as creative person who enjoys working with music and melodies in his free time.
SOURCED FROM THE JOBURG WEBSITE.
