The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Language Directorate recently hosted the launch of Tuelo Gabonewe's book, Dirurubele, at its Mahikeng Campus.

Tuelo was born in Sekhing in 1985 and is a novelist, children's author, screenwriter, filmmaker and TV producer based in Pretoria. Dirurubele is the sequel to his erotic novel Dinotshi, published by Xarra Books in 2020.

In Dirurubele he continues his storytelling with a strong command of the Setswana language. The novel follows the main character Modiri, who is now older and a family man. The book asks whether Modiri has changed or remains the same, inviting readers to "follow the butterflies" to find the answer.

Elaborating on his decision to write in Setswana, Tuelo said: "I decided to come back to Setswana because I never felt a sense of belonging in the English writing world. Writing in Setswana just felt right. I am a writer who weaves magic out of words. It is my responsibility as a writer to keep my language alive. Writing novels in Setswana marks a moment in time for myself and my people. We are here. We will never be forgotten."

Dr Kea Seshoka from the Language Directorate expressed her pleasure at hosting the launch. "We are honoured and thank you for trusting us with this event. We also want to applaud you for writing in your own language."

Nombulelo Baba from the National Education Collaboration Trust also attended the event, and stressed the importance of books in indigenous languages, noting that many Grade 4 learners struggle with reading in their mother tongue. "We are proud of our writers and are in the process of partnering with the NWU's Language Directorate to promote indigenous language authors," she said.

Other notable attendees of the launch included Goitsemodimo Seleka from Motsweding FM, Prof Gilbert Motsaathebe, a research professor in the Indigenous Language Media in Africa research entity, and Sabata Mpho Mokae, an author and lecturer at Sol Plaatje University.

The launch of Dirurubele underscores efforts to celebrate and preserve indigenous languages through literature, ensuring the cultural heritage of the Setswana-speaking community continues.

More about Tuelo Gabonewe

Tuelo’s Dirurubele is his fifth novel and sixth book overall. His previous works include Planet Savage (2011), Hippo and His Friends (2014), Sarcophagus (2016), Tshika fa e ya Baneng (2020), and Dinotshi (2020).

As filmmaker and TV producer his works include the movie Khanyi (2022), the TV series I'm With Your Ex – seasons one and two, the movie Bana ba ga Nkoko (2024), and the TV series 016FM (2024).

He is currently working on a Setswana book for teenagers and young adults.

From left are Sabata Mokae, Mmakhuduga Mosenogi, Keaobaka Dipale, Tuelo Gabonewe, Nombulelo Baba and Goitsemodimo Seleka at the launch of Dirurubele.