Angela Makholwa's journey to becoming one of South Africa’s most celebrated authors began at an early age. Born in Johannesburg and raised in Tembisa, Makholwa harbored dreams of storytelling from childhood.
Her love for the written word was evident when her first short story was published in Upbeat Magazine at the tender age of 13. This early success ignited her passion, setting her on a path that would later define her as a significant voice in South African literature.
Makholwa's academic journey led her to Rhodes University, where she majored in Journalism, a field that would shape her early career.
From Journalism to Entrepreneurship
After graduating, Makholwa worked as a journalist, focusing on crime reporting during the 1990s—a time when South Africa was undergoing significant social and political changes.
Her experiences as a crime reporter deeply influenced her writing style, particularly her debut novel. In 2002, Makholwa transitioned from journalism to entrepreneurship by founding her PR and events management company, Britespark Communications.
This shift allowed her to explore her creative passions more fully while still engaging with the media and public relations industry.
Breaking Ground with "Red Ink"
Makholwa's literary career took off in 2007 with the release of her debut novel, Red Ink. The crime thriller, set in Johannesburg, was groundbreaking as it marked the first crime fiction novel written by a black South African author.
Red Ink received both public and critical acclaim, establishing Makholwa as a formidable new voice in South African literature.
The novel's suspenseful narrative, infused with Makholwa's firsthand experience in crime reporting, captivated readers and set the stage for her future works.
Exploring Diverse Narratives
Following the success of Red Ink, Makholwa continued to explore different genres and themes in her writing. Her second novel, The 30th Candle, published in 2009, diverged from crime fiction and delved into the lives of four university friends approaching their 30th birthdays.
The book's humor and relatability resonated with readers, leading to its adaptation into a screenplay. In 2013, Makholwa returned to crime fiction with Black Widow Society, a novel that unravels the dark and secretive world of a group of women who plot to eliminate their husbands.
The story's unique premise and thrilling narrative further solidified her reputation as a versatile and daring author.
Continued Success and Recognition
Makholwa's recent works have continued to earn her acclaim. Blessed Girl, published in 2017, was shortlisted for the UK's Comedy Women in Print Prize and the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences’ Literary Awards, showcasing her ability to blend humor with social commentary.
Her latest novel, Critical, But Stable, published in 2021, continues to explore complex characters and narratives, cementing her place in South African literary history.
As one of the first black writers to venture into crime fiction in South Africa, Angela Makholwa's impact on the literary landscape is undeniable, and her stories continue to inspire and entertain readers both locally and internationally.
Books Written by Angela Makholwa
Black Widow Red Ink Critical But Stable The Blessed Girl The 30th Candle
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