The Author

It has taken me more than 10 years to create this page. I realise that I have never added a page introducing myself to readers other than a short paragraph explaining my profession which I have since edited. Seeing as so much has happened since I began this blog, it makes sense to add some more life and add more information about myself. I think I imagined people who read this blog were my friends and family and they know me already.

Igama lam nguAthambile Masola.

Photo credit: Nonzuzo Gxekwa

I live and work in Cape Town. I teach in the Department of Historical Studies at the University of Cape Town. My research work focuses on black women’s historiography with a particular interest in life writing. I am also interested in the African language newspapers of the early 20th century. In 2020 I graduated with a PhD from Rhodes University with a thesis which focuses on the writings of Noni Jabavu and Sisonke Msimang.

My other essays have been published in a variety of platforms and publications such as the Mail and Guardian, Johannesburg Review of Books, Al Jazeera, Wanted Online to name a few as well as academic journals.

My first collection of poetry Ilifa (Uhlanga Press, 2021) was the winner of the HSS(Humanties and Socia. Sciences) Awards in 2022 (together with Dimakatso Sedite).

Together with Dr Xolisa Guzula, I am the co-author of the children's book series, Imbokodo: Women who shape us (Jacana Media, 2022) . The book is a collection of 30 biographies about South African women who have shaped South Africa's history and the present. they are available in 5 different languages