Africa. A vast, vibrant, and deeply misunderstood continent. For many, it’s a place seen through the lens of news reports and documentaries—usually focused on poverty, conflict, or wildlife. But for me, it’s home. It’s beauty. It’s people. Especially two countries that shaped who I am: South Africa, where I was born, and Malawi, where my roots run deep.
Growing up in South Africa with Malawian heritage gave me a natural curiosity about the continent as a whole. I didn’t want to just hear stories about Africa—I wanted to see it for myself. That’s why I began travelling across the continent. So far, I’ve explored five African countries: South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Kenya. Each one has its own culture, its own rhythm, and its own people. And with every trip, I met strangers who became friends, friends who became family, and stories that became part of me.
Let’s start with Malawi.
Malawi: The Warm Heart of Africa
They call it The Warm Heart of Africa, and it truly lives up to that name—not because of its landscapes or weather, but because of its people. Kind, respectful, welcoming—Malawians make you feel like you belong. I remember being called bwana (boss) by strangers, neighbours visiting my aunt’s home just to greet me, even though we’d never met before. That kind of warmth is rare.
Pain, Perspective, and Purpose
But Malawi is also filled with deep struggle. Poverty is real. Inequality is visible. On one walk to the market, I met a young boy selling tomatoes. He was barefoot, wearing rags, and clearly too young to be working. When I asked about school, he told me he couldn’t go—he had siblings to feed after losing his parents. His story broke my heart. I had come to Malawi hoping to clear my head from personal challenges, but what I found was far more powerful—it was perspective.
Meeting Magret: A Story That Changed Everything
One day, while staying at my aunt’s place, I met a young woman named Magret. She was introduced as a friend of my cousin’s, and she instantly became someone I connected with. Every day, she’d come over and show me around, teach me about local customs and culture. We spoke for hours, and soon, she shared her story.
Magret was a diploma holder from the University of Malawi. She lived with her three siblings, struggling to survive without stable work. Her parents had left the country to search for greener pastures but hadn’t sent any support back home. Despite her circumstances, Magret had a strength that amazed me. She still smiled. Still dreamed. Still believed things would get better.
The Birth of My First Book
That was the moment everything changed.
I realised that her story—and so many others like hers—deserved to be told. Not just whispered in kitchens or shared among friends, but written in books. These are not the polished, Western-friendly versions of African life. They are raw, real, and full of beauty—even in their sadness. And that’s how my first story, James-Bonginkosi, was born.
Since then, I’ve made it my mission to write African stories. Stories of strength, faith, struggle, and joy. Not sugarcoated, not filtered, but honest. Because these stories matter.
Rich in Resilience, Not Just Struggle
Malawi taught me that. It’s a country that might be poor in resources, but it’s rich in resilience. You’ll see a woman with a baby on her back, another child in tow, and a basket balanced on her head as she walks to the market. And you’ll ask yourself, “How does she do it?” The answer is simple: because she must. Because hope is stronger than hardship.
Over to You!
So here I am, writing African stories—because they deserve to be heard. What about you? Would you visit Malawi? Would you listen to its stories?
Let’s chat in the comments. I’d love to hear your thoughts.