Fifteen South African authors have brought together their works in a new poetry collection to highlight themes of identity, community, and the spirit of ubuntu. Among the contributors are four poets from the local areas of Chatsworth, Musgrave, and Phoenix, who brought a distinctly local flavor to the collection.
This debut collection, published by Paper Trail Literary Press, was recently presented at Noah's club in Bluff. It is based on the philosophical principle 'I exist because we exist.' The anthology explores concepts such as memory, sense of belonging, and daily life, demonstrating the power of narrative in establishing connections between different population groups.
Among the regional authors are Chatsworth poet Tivesni Latchmeya, Musgrave representative Letishaa Mudli, and Phoenix poets Padmani Dorasamy and Tamia Munsa. Alongside these four local creators, the collection features national writers, including Zein Omarjee, Swara Naidu, Gaishri Sharon Singh, Padmini Govender, Kesheni Juli, Rebecca Perumal, Bretta Fish Anderson, Tamara Gangan, Stutukile Biyelu, and T.H. Smart, whose collective voices reflect the diversity of modern South Africa.
Ecka Somaer, founder of Paper Trail Literary Press, noted that the project arose organically from a supportive writing community that developed over time. Somaer stated that she created Paper Trail to provide South Africans with a platform for self-expression through writing. After becoming an independent publishing house, she felt it right that the first publication should come from the voices of her own community. She emphasized that literature is one way of transmitting history, culture, and stories from generation to generation, and poetry is a powerful medium for preserving this rich heritage.
For Padmani Dorasamy, poetry began with unexpected inspiration after receiving a poem from her spiritual mentor on her birthday in 2010. She mentioned that life in Phoenix shaped her worldview, introducing her to both hardship and hope. Dorasamy added that her message to readers is that South Africans become structurally stronger when they are united.
A colleague from the local community, Tivesni Latchmeya, found in writing a safe haven where she could express thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. She expressed hope that readers would connect with the diverse perspectives of the collection, as each poem is unique due to the different experiences and struggles of individual poets.
Letishaa Mudli from Musgrave started writing after moving to Johannesburg, where journaling became a practical way to cope with loneliness and adapt to an unfamiliar environment. Participation in the collection helped her overcome self-doubt and realize the true value of her creative voice. Mudli shared that the book allowed her to become part of a community of influential voices and gain confidence in her ability to achieve more.
Phoenix poet Tamia Munsa believes that poetry can actively challenge the silence surrounding systemic issues affecting many South Africans, including gender-based violence, unemployment, and inequality. Munsa explained that their voices unite to tell a broader story of shared experiences. She expressed hope that readers would pause, reflect, connect with those around them, and recognize the power of poetry in inspiring positive change.
Paper Trail Literary Press plans to continue supporting emerging local authors through regular open mic nights, school reading programs, literary festivals, and future publishing projects.
