WRITING helped a 17-year-old Eastern Cape matric pupil process grief and regain her sense of purpose.
This after losing a brother figure who inspired her.
Siyamthanda Peko from Ngqamakhwe has just published her first book titled, I Am My Roots, a collection of poems and essays.
She said one of the biggest influences in her life was the late advocate Luxolo Samuel Peko, whom she describes as "a brother figure" who inspired her interest in law and politics.
His death deeply affected her, but writing helped her process her grief and regain her sense of purpose.
The book explores themes, including poverty, grief, politics, religion, identity, love and the challenges facing young people.
The title I Am My Roots reflects her pride in her background, heritage and the hardships that shaped her.
For Siyamthanda, publishing the book marks the fulfilment of a childhood dream that she pursued despite self-doubt, poverty and limited opportunities in her rural community.
The book took four years to complete as she often struggled with self-doubt and uncertainty about whether her dream was achievable.
"There were times when I wanted to give up, but I kept reminding myself how far I had already come," she said.
She told Daily Sun writing became her way of self-expression and connecting with others.
"I'm not an outspoken person, so writing became my voice. It helped me share my thoughts, experiences and feelings with the world," she said.
The teenager hopes her story will inspire other young people who feel limited by their circumstances.
"Failure and doubt are just careless whispers. Don't allow fear to stop you from becoming your full potential," she said.
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Siyamthanda, who dreams of becoming a lawyer and one day entering politics, believes her journey is only beginning.
She also hopes to help improve literacy among the youth in her hometown and encourage more teenagers to pursue their dreams despite the obstacles they face.
