A BUDDING poet and novelist has endeared herself to schoolmates and villagers alike through her creativity.

Nineteen-year-old Kholofelo Mabelebele from Devrede Village in Senwabarwana, formerly Bochum, has surpassed all expectations by writing at least nine poems and a novel in English.

Mabelebele, who is a Grade 10 pupil at the local Nakedi High School, developed a passion for writing last March and there is no stopping this self-taught writer.

Mabelebele said she needed a mentor to help her to become a better narrator of stories.

"I have written many poems that my teachers and fellow pupils like. I want to continue writing for as long as I can," she said.

Mabelebele is mostly inspired by life around the village, which is situated at the foot of the Maleboho mountain.

Many of her poems focus on education and HIV-Aids.

Her mission is to educate communities about the dangers of HIV and the importance of education.

"I also want fellow youngsters here in the rural area and everywhere else to know that we all have talents and that before one knows it, someone out there could notice these talents and give them a chance to showcase their God-given gifts," she said.

Mabelebele added that she was about to complete her novel, but was not sure whether she would find a publisher.

"I'm making a passionate plea to publishers to help me realise my dream," Mabelebele said.

"It has always been my wish to publish a book and I've put a lot of effort into my work to realise my life-long dream." - frankm@sowetan.co.za