In this powerful episode of In Her Words: Working Conversations By Women , I sit down with award-winning poet, writer, performer, and producer Siphokazi Jonas , author of the bestselling book Weeping Becomes a River .
We dive deep into her journey of preserving Xhosa folk storytelling , reshaping the narrative around Black women’s stories , and using art as advocacy . Siphokazi shares how she’s not only honoring tradition but also helping culture evolve — one story at a time.
She speaks passionately about:
Why it’s crucial to reclaim and rewrite the stories told about Black women
How folktales are more than nostalgia — they’re tools of resistance and healing.
The importance of mentoring young creatives and building space for new voices
And of course, the inspiration behind her critically acclaimed book, Weeping Becomes a River — a moving collection that turns pain into poetry and personal truth into collective strength
This is more than a conversation about writing — it’s about legacy, identity, and the power of voice .
A must-listen for anyone who believes in the transformative power of storytelling.
📖 Weeping Becomes a River is available at all major bookstores nationwide (South Africa).