Gcina Mhlophe talks stories, reading and Africa’s future
Carol Ofori marked Africa Day on East Coast Radio with a special conversation featuring one of South Africa’s most respected storytellers, Dr Gcina Mhlophe.
Dr Mhlophe is known worldwide for her work as a writer, poet, performer, and storyteller. She is also the eThekwini UNESCO City of Literature Ambassador and the host of the award-winning East Coast Radio podcast, African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe.
Speaking to Carol on Africa Day, Dr Mhlophe reflected on the deep role that storytelling plays in African life, culture and identity.
Why stories matter
During the conversation, Dr Mhlophe spoke about the power of stories to connect generations, preserve memory and help young people understand where they come from.
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She also shared more about her latest anthology, Our Storytelling Tree. The multilingual collection brings together a range of new voices and reflects the richness of Africa’s languages, cultures and lived experiences.
For Dr Mhlophe, reading and storytelling remain vital ways to build confidence, imagination and pride in identity.
Looking after Africa’s future
The Africa Day conversation also looked ahead.
Dr Mhlophe spoke about the responsibility adults carry when shaping the world children will inherit. She highlighted the need for environmental awareness and financial literacy in schools, saying these lessons can help young people make better choices for themselves, their communities and the continent.
The conversation ended with a warm reminder of the joy of reading and the role books can play in opening minds.
Listen to Carol Ofori’s full Africa Day conversation with Dr Gcina Mhlophe below.
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