Northern Cape High School was recently abuzz with excitement as 15-year-old Grade 10 learner and author, Mosimanegape Leeuw, unveiled his second literary creation, a book of poetry titled “Behind the Dark”.
NORTHERN Cape High School was recently abuzz with excitement as 15-year-old Grade 10 learner and author, Mosimanegape Leeuw, unveiled his second literary creation, “Behind the Dark”.
The event marked Mosimanegape’s poetic debut and drew a distinguished audience, including guests from Mosimanegape’s hometown of Camden, Kuruman.
The book, a collection of evocative poems, owes its existence to the support of Unamadla Vilakazi, who fully funded the project through the Unamadla Foundation, with the support of her mother, Onnalena Vilakazi.
The launch was attended by esteemed guests, including senior officials from the Northern Cape Department of Education; Yolanda Slade, the department’s Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC) provincial co-ordinator; Portia Phuzi, chief director for examinations and assessments at the department; Unamandla Foundation queens and kings; the school collective led by principal Owen de Plooy; learner representatives; the school governing board; parents; and Olebogeng High School representatives from Camden.
The guests were also treated to a soul-stirring performance by well-known DJ KG Smallz.
“Behind the Dark” stands as a beacon and guiding light, reminding teenagers that they are not alone on their life journeys.
This captivating anthology of poetry bravely illuminates the struggles faced by teenagers, which are often hidden beneath the surface.
With each verse, this collection becomes a guiding star, leading teenagers towards a path of self-discovery, self-love and, ultimately, their own unwavering resilience.
Mosimanegape developed an interest in poetry at the tender age of 12 but had to give up his craft due to his family dynamics.
He was raised by his grandmother after his mother died when he was only two and a half years old.
At the age of six, he was already well-known as a prolific preacher.
His family dynamics and the situation he faced, later served as an inspiration for him to pick up the poetry pen again.
Mosimanegape wrestled with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder throughout his life. He discovered that writing was a way to express himself and helped him cope with his struggles.
He also found solace in reading, which helped him to escape from the world around him.
Mosimanegape tenaciously clung to his dream of becoming a published author and he started attending workshops to hone his skills from a young age.
Additionally, he immersed himself in various book clubs, seeking insights into how discerning audiences desired poetry to be presented.
In 2023, while in Grade 9, Mosimanegape was chosen as a member of the representative council of learners (RCL) in his class while attending Olebogeng High School. A week later he was elected as the RCL president of his school.
A month later, he was chosen as the RCL president of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.
Mosimanegape’s life changed for the better when he met Yolanda Slade, the QLTC provincial co-ordinator in the Northern Cape, during a national RCL conference in Pretoria. The conference was hosted by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
A month after attending the conference, he was elected as the public relations officer for the Northern Cape and chosen as a member of the national committee of the RCL.
Slade introduced Mosimanegape to Portia Phuzi, the chief director of examinations, who was impressed by his life story and set out to assist him.
He shared his work, “Thoughts and Tears”, which was already in the hands of the publisher, with her.
“She contacted a few people and the rest was history,” said Mosimanegape.
Mosimanegape’s first book, titled “Thoughts and Tears”, received a boost from the then MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong. She ended up paying for extra copies of the book.
The book launch was held on December 22, 2023, at the tribal office of Camden, and to Mosimanegape’s surprise, people were touched by his story.
A volunteer, Zandisile Luphapla, bought him a laptop, while Makatong committed to paying for his 2024 school fees at Northern Cape High School.
At the launch of “Behind the Dark” earlier this month, Mosimanegape had the guests eating out of the palm of his hand and he expressed his gratitude to everyone who made both his books possible, including those who purchased them.
“I wish for this collaboration to continue,” he said.
He explained that the heartfelt sincerity in “Behind the Dark” reaches out to those “warriors” battling the shadows of depression and anxiety, offering solace and strength in the darkest of hours.
“Within its profound verses, it illustrates the discovery of the beauty of resilience as it blooms amidst adversity,” he explained.
“The poems are filled with raw emotion and undeniable truth, which creates a sanctuary where readers can find solace, understanding and hope.
“Every page teems with motivation, urging young hearts to rise above their fears and face the world with unwavering courage. Through the power of introspection, these poems unlock the potential for healing, growth and self-acceptance.
“In the depths of struggle, they reveal the glimmering shards of hope that dance in the vast expanse of the soul.”
In his motivation to his peers and everyone reading the book, Leeuw encouraged them to never give up as there is “light behind the dark”.
To his peers, he said: “God connects the dots with people assigned in your journey. Remain focused through your journey, no matter how dark and bad it might look. Walk through your darkness with your head held up high and say ‘Yes God, your time is perfect’.
“Behind the Dark is also 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.
“Unleash the power within, as Behind the Dark sets forth upon a poignant voyage through the emotions that resonate within teenagers’ souls. Embrace the transformative magic of poetry and rediscover the strength that lies dormant behind the dark,” Mosimanegape concluded.
