WSU ALUMNUS SET TO PUBLISH A POWERFUL NEW BOOK

WSU alumnus and award-winning author Sipho Ellen Tshaka is preparing to release his fourth book in 2026 — a bold and compelling work titled The Dark Side of Campus Life.

Tshaka, who hails from the village of Dudumeni on the outskirts of Bizana, plans to pursue his third qualification (Bachelor of Administration Honours degree) at WSU’s Mthatha Campus while finalising the publication of his latest manuscript.

Although the title may appear stark, Tshaka said the book is inspired by the complex emotional realities many students face.

“From the overwhelming pain students experience, I couldn’t just sit down and pretend as if nothing was happening,” he said. “I decided to collect that pain and bind it into a book.”

With eight years of writing experience, Tshaka already boasts an impressive literary record. Three of his works have been published, and he has steadily earned recognition in the national literary space. He believes his writing is driven by a desire to illuminate the hidden struggles shaping the lives of young people.

“In my books, there is a lot I want to share with the nation so that people can relate to what I have written,” he explained. “For the past three years within WSU, I have been working on a book that I believe will give voice to the voiceless students, open eyes to those who have turned blind because of this environment, and invite those who are running away to pay more attention.”

Tshaka’s previous work has already made a mark. His third book, I Think God Is Gay, was nominated in two categories at “The Book Behind the Awards,” a prestigious ceremony held in KwaZulu-Natal on 8 November 2025. Competing in the Best Inspirational Book and Best Controversial Book categories, Tshaka ultimately secured first place in the latter.

He walked away with a R5 000 cash prize, a trophy, and two certificates — a milestone that confirmed his growing influence as a distinctive literary voice.

“For my third iconic book, I Think God Is Gay, which leaves people’s jaws wide open, I was nominated in two different categories,” Tshaka recalled. “People voted for me, which landed me amazing prizes.”

Tshaka says winning the Best Controversial Book category has opened new doors for discussion, advocacy, and literary outreach.

“This will allow me to travel around and discuss this extraordinary book, which I wrote out of love for God and His blessings,” he said. “Because preaching creates separation, let’s have a conversation about God — not lessons.”

With The Dark Side of Campus Life on the horizon, Tshaka hopes to deepen engagement with issues affecting young people and to continue using storytelling as a tool for awareness, healing, and transformation.

By Sisipho Qwenga