It all started when her Grade 1 teacher asked her if she could speak English.
She shook her head and answered no because she did not understand, and that was how her journey into reading started.
Now Thandeka Makhabu has (19) released a book titled Where we Belong, inspired by teens' experiences.
“You know how photographers take portraits of themselves where they invite you into their world?
"Where we Belong is a haven for my peers whom I witnessed go through a lot of changes and themselves wanting to be of that change," she tells Drum.
That is how she got to understand how toxic masculinity affected young boys in high school.
The first-year civil engineering UJ student says writing was a vessel to pour out her emotions and be vulnerable with herself.
This enabled her to write a book that's reflective.
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She says by looking at the boys who were in her class in Grade 10, she got to see how toxic masculinity affects young in making their own decisions because they fear failing in life.
"I have never experienced toxic masculinity. But by having conversations with the guys, I could tell that they are putting so much pressure on themselves because they do not want to be a disappointment.
“I am happy that this book is doing what I intended to do for myself, and those who get a chance to read the book. This is a book that young people can call home and look back at younger Thandeka who was expressing herself and put down every feeling in a book.”
The novel tackles toxic masculinity and the pressure men are under to prove themselves in macho and hostile ways.
Thandeka touches on growing up with and without a father; the expectation of toughness from a male child by society; relationships; power dynamics, and mental health – themes which she believes are the struggles of a male child.
The main characters are Banele Mkhize and Jabulani Cele, high school students who are trying to understand how they are supposed to show up in the world.
Banele is bullied and falls into depression because of feelings of loneliness and inadequacy.
Jabu is isolated from his dysfunctional family and wishes to know more about his roots.
The author shares that the road to having the final product was not easy, but it was worth it.
“It is an incredible feeling to know that it’s done and how far we’ve come in the process. There’s a lot that’s been done from writing to editing (twice), then cover designing, typesetting, and printing but this process has been so great. I’m grateful that I get to have this opportunity,” says Thandeka.
She says that it has not sunk in yet that she has a book of her own.
“This will probably sink in properly once I see my book in a bookshop. Then I’ll probably say, 'Wow, I’ve published a book!'
"I’ve always loved bookshops, so when I see my book where I’ve always seen other writers, 'Mama, I made it' will be my celebration song on that day. Still, I’m appreciating every step of the process.”
Like any creative, Makhubu experienced writer’s block.
Putting her thoughts to paper became a challenge she never expected to deal with, but today all is done and published.
She did all this while attending classes as a first year.
The book is available at Takelot and other bookstores.
