Staff Reporter

In a moving ceremony held at Touchwood Lodge in Kwekwe today, 19-year-old Thandeka Lindarose Bhebhe officially launched her debut novel Amandla — a raw, powerful and brutally honest literary piece that digs deep into the lives of teenagers grappling with mental health, drug abuse, love, identity, and generational disconnect.

Written from the soul, Amandla tells the harrowing tale of a young girl battling childhood trauma, abuse, and suicidal thoughts, while longing for love and connection in a world that often turns a blind eye. The novel also brings to light the deeply flawed systems that criminalize addiction instead of healing it.

“I wrote a book titled Amandla which speaks on reality. It touches on drug and substance abuse, teenage love, mental health and neglect from parents. I wanted to bridge the gap between generations — for children to understand their parents, and for parents to understand their children,” she said.

Bhebhe shared how she began writing at the age of 13, feeling alienated and bullied while in boarding school.

“I was 13 when depression sank its teeth deep into my bones. I had many people I called friends, but none of them really called me theirs,” she said, her voice steady but heavy with emotion.

The official launch event was attended by fellow young authors, mentors, educators, and members of the local arts community. One of the tributes came from Eagles College Principal and mentor Trust Mugwagwa, who helped Thandeka develop her writing talent.

“This event is transformative. It speaks to the effort we put into making who she is today,” said Mugwagwa.

“I discovered her talent for writing in 2020. She was hesitant, but gifted. With encouragement, she found her voice and platform,” he said.

Also present was young author and Midlands State University law student Graham Mushavi, who played a pivotal role in inspiring Bhebhe to publish.

“She told me she had been sitting on her work for a long time. Seeing me launch my own book gave her the courage to do the same. I feel proud to have played a part in her journey,” said Mushavi.

The novel, as described by Bhebhe, is “not a theme — it’s reality.” She boldly tackles topics often swept under the carpet, including suicide.

“When you talk about suicide, people say you are spoiling the meal. But every 40 seconds, someone dies. So I wrote what people need to know but are ignoring,” she said.

Amandla, both the title character and the novel, serves as a metaphor and a mirror — a young girl whose pain reflects that of many others in today’s society.

The book is a scream in the silence — a testimony, a warning, and a plea.

“Her death is a wake-up call,” Bhebhe writes in the synopsis.