For Naledi Setzin, writing isn’t just a passion; it was a lifeline during life’s toughest moments. Through it, she chose to be honest and real, publishing two incredible books right in her final year of high school.
Johannesburg, South Africa (03 June 2026) – While most young people can agree that navigating their final year of high school is an absolute whirlwind, South African matric student Naledi Setzin still found the grace and drive to answer her true calling: writing.
While still navigating the chaotic rush of high school, Naledi poured her heart into writing and self-publishing not one, but two incredible books: a charming children’s story titled Jacaranda Tree and a deeply moving poetry chapbook, Locked In a Suitcase.
Without waiting for perfection, permission, or the “right time,” Naledi embraced a simple but powerfully liberating philosophy: to just start! Putting belief into action, she successfully published both works during her 2025 matric year.
“I didn’t need everything to be perfect. I just needed to be honest and real,” says Naledi.
At the heart of her work is a belief that young people have something meaningful to say. Through her writing, she hopes to encourage her peers to read more, reflect more, and express themselves freely – even when their voices feel unfinished, uncertain, or still becoming.
Naledi’s passion for storytelling was shaped not only by imagination but by lived experience. During difficult periods in her life, including illness and personal loss, writing became a refuge. It allowed her to process emotion, explore vulnerability, and find clarity in moments that were otherwise hard to articulate.
“Sometimes it’s easier to write than to speak. On paper, I can be completely raw and honest,” she says.
Naledi’s two books reflect both her inner world and her awareness of those around her.
Jacaranda Tree, written for younger readers, explores themes of environmental responsibility, civic duty, and the importance of collective accountability. Through storytelling, Naledi highlights the power of young voices and the responsibility that comes with using them constructively to protect the world around us.
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“Protecting your environment, communities, and surroundings in a constructive rather than destructive manner allows us to preserve what we need for society to flourish,” says Naledi.
By encouraging young readers to think critically about their role in society, Jacaranda Tree positions accountability, compassion, and community-minded action as essential tools for building a more sustainable future.
In contrast, Locked In a Suitcase offers a more introspective lens. The poetry collection examines identity, perspective, and the idea that each person carries their own “suitcase” of experiences, beliefs, memories, and emotions that shape how they see the world.
Together, the two books show a young writer working across genres: one speaking outwards to children and communities; the other turning inwards to explore the private emotional landscapes young people often carry quietly.
Beyond her own work, Naledi is passionate about championing African literature and creating space for young voices to be heard.
“I believe people don’t actually hate reading. They just haven’t found something that speaks to them yet,” she says.
Her message to other young creatives is clear: start where you are, use what you have, and trust your voice.
As South Africa continues to spotlight stories that inspire, uplift, and challenge assumptions about young people, Naledi represents a new generation of creators – bold enough to begin, and brave enough to share.
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