About

Ike is a storyteller deeply rooted in the vibrant tapestry of Zulu culture. His journey began amidst the serene landscapes of rural ZuluLand, Nongoma, before his parents moved to Palmridge, Gauteng, and at a later stage, back to the cultural heartland of his people. His passion for storytelling ignited during his formative years in ZuluLand, where he found himself captivated by the rich tapestry of folklore and oral traditions passed down through generations. This early fascination blossomed into a love for writing, culminating in the successful debut of his first play during high school. Since then, Ike has explored various forms of creative expression, from poetry and short stories to his debut novel, Umthakathi The Witch.

Fueled by a thirst for knowledge and a dedication to excellence, Ike pursued academic success, earning distinctions in matric and graduating with an Honours degree in Audiology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Alongside his professional work in audiology, Ike is deeply involved in advocating for the Deaf community, specializing in Deaf Studies: Home Intervention from the University of the Witwatersrand. Through volunteer work and community outreach, he strives to make a meaningful impact in the lives of families with children diagnosed with hearing loss and deafness.As the founder of BantuBox Publishing, Ike is proud to champion authentic African storytelling. His debut novel, ‘Umthakathi The Witch,’ resonated with readers, exploring themes of polygamy, African spirituality, Bantu mythologies, sexuality, and colonization. Despite launching amidst the challenges of a global pandemic, the novel found its audience and reinforced Ike’s commitment to sharing diverse narratives.