Namibian teen shortlisted for African literature award

Pionierspark Primary School pupil Jobina Shovaleka, who published her first book, ‘The Aliens’, when she was 12 years old, has been nominated for the African Authors Recognition Awards 2025. The awards celebrate African creativity, storytelling and literary excellence, while uniting writers and literary enthusiasts from across the continent. “I am incredibly proud to be selected as one of the top five authors in Africa in the children’s literature category. “It means the world to me because this achievement carries not only my name but also represents my country. I feel honoured to show that young Namibian voices can be heard on big platforms,” the 13-year-old says. ‘The Aliens’, published by Victoria Authors Self-Publishing Services, follows two girls who hear strange noises and make unexpected friends, drawing their teacher and a fellow pupil into the adventure. Shovaleka says her aim was to encourage forgiveness and problem-solving among young readers. She states that writing has helped her express her emotions and ideas without having to speak out loud. “Writing is what I love, because it allows me to put my thoughts on paper and create something that lasts. I believe writing from a young age is powerful – it’s like starting a painting in January and finishing it in December. “You grow, you learn, and your ideas become stronger and more meaningful as your mind develops,” she says. Shovaleka says writing has given her confidence and a voice she did not know she had. She adds that she plans to write more books. “There are more exciting books on the way. I can’t wait to share more stories with the world.” Book lover Wilma Steyn says she is proud of Shovaleka’s nomination and urges the public to vote for the teen author. “Namibia, let us vote for this young lady of the soil. She has done our country well. I hope her achievement will serve as motivation for other youngsters that dreams can come true.”