One of this year's Rhodes University Honorary Doctorate recipients is poet, activist, and David Philip author, Dr Sindiwe Magona.

One of South Africa's literary stalwarts, Magona, was bestowed with a Doctor of Letters (DLitt) during the April 2018 graduation session at the Grahamstown university.

Magona has written over 120 children's books in her lifetime and was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in 2011. Magona, who worked for the United Nations for 20 years, is currently a Writer-in-Residence at the University of the Western Cape where she continues her work as a language ambassador and mentor for young writers in Southern Africa.

The other recipients of honorary doctorates alongside Magona were Professor Peter Mtuze, Dr Andrew Mlangeni, Professor Vishnu Padayachee, Ms Yvonne Chaka Chaka, and Judge Dikgang Moseneke.

Of the occasion, Dr Sizwe Mabizela, Vice-Chancellor for Rhodes University, said, "It is a privilege for us as the Rhodes University community to honour such outstanding citizens for their many and significant contributions. We warmly congratulate them for their notable achievements. Not have they made it their life's work to enrich the lives of others, they are also excellent role models to us all."

Yesterday morning renowned South African playwright, poet, novelist and activist, Sindiwe Magona, spoke to hundreds of learners in Johannesburg.

Grade 10 learners at King Edward listen to Magona talk about her book, Mother to Mother.

Visiting a total of three schools, the learners were able to interact with the author behind their setwork books. The day started with Magona speaking at both Roedean School and King Edward VII High School about the English novel they’re studying, Mother to Mother. Provoked by the tragedy of Amy Biehl’s death in 1993, Mother to Mother is an account of life in a black township during the apartheid years. Students were able to ask questions about the text directly to the author and experience the book in a way not many learners can.

Grade 3 learners from both St John's and King Edward are eager to ask Magona questions about her African Folk Tales series.

This was followed on by a trip to King Edward VII preparatory school where learners from the neighbouring St John’s college joined their peers to listen to Magona speak about her magical and wonderful collection of African Folk Tales.

Thank you to the wonderful educators for having us over to chat to the learners about the world of books.

At New Africa Books we want to get young people excited about reading, if you’re a teacher and would like Sindiwe Magona to talk at your school then please contact us.