She might only be 17 years old, but poet Omphile Sello from Bloemfontein is a published author. She released her debut book titled “Roaring Words” in 2023 aged 16.
Sello is slowly making a name for herself as a poet. She uses her creativity to tell stories and express herself.
Sello says that her love for poetry started at the age of 8 years. She credits her mother, Motlalepula ,who is also a published author of a motivational book titled “Embracing Inner Happiness” for encouraging her to keep writing.
When she published her book in 2023, Sello marked 8-years as a poet. She describes “Roaring Words” as a collection of poems that represent hope, identity and hard work for teenagers and first-time poets.
Sello has previously hosted book launches at schools to encourage an interest in reading and writing among learners.
On 3 March, she relaunched her book at Toka Primary School in Bloemfontein to encourage learners to take reading and writing seriously, and to use pen and paper to freely express themselves.
Sello is also a performing poet and has performed at her former schools (Toka and St. Bernard High School), at PACOFS and at poetry sessions in her community.
Sello completed matric in 2024 at St. Bernard High School and she is currently taking a gap year. She hopes to attend university in 2026.
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