South Africa: 7 year-old author Michelle Nkamankeng named in global top 10 list of youngest writers

At an age when most girls her age are either still preoccupied with playing with Barbie or watching cartoons on TV, seven year-old South African grade two learner, Michelle Nkamankeng is concerned with a totally different hobby, writing books.

The young writer recently published her first book, Waiting for the Waves, which has catapulted her onto a prestigious list.

Nkamankeng was added onto the list of the top 10 youngest writers in the world and she becomes the youngest author from Africa to be listed, a remarkable achievement worth to be celebrated.

The book was launched last week at Wits University in Johannesburg, this was the second launch following the inaugural one held last month (September) at her school, Chapel Theatre of Sacred Heart College.

Our congratulations to Grade 2 learner Michelle Nkamankeng on the publication of her book, ‘Waiting for the Waves’. pic.twitter.com/tYmGBzdNbV

— Sacred Heart College (@_Cool_School) October 4, 2016

According to Michelle’s Twitter account, which is managed by her mother Laurentine Nkamankeng, the seven year-old writer says, “My dream is to inspire young children to believe in themselves”.

Waiting for the Waves is a story inspired by a family visit to the beach. The experience taught Michelle to confront and conquer her fear of the huge waves after she receives encouragement from her family.

The book is the first of a four-part series and Michelle’s books will be published over the next few years.

Social media has been celebrating Michelle’s great achievement with South Africa’s Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa writing on Twitter: “Congratulations to 7-year-old Michelle Nkamankeng for being the youngest African to make the global list of the top 10 youngest writers”.

We also applaud the young and budding writer for the remarkable achievement.