Trouble in Diepsloot
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| Author | Itumeleng Lebese |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Publisher | Independent publication |
Publication date | November 2019 |
| Publication place | South Africa |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 73 |
Trouble in Diepsloot is a South African novel by Itumeleng Lebese, first published in November 2019. The book is set in Diepsloot, a township in the north of Johannesburg, and explores social challenges faced by youth in the community through a fictional narrative grounded in social realism. The novel received media coverage for its depiction of township life and the author's background.[1]
Lebese wrote Trouble in Diepsloot while still a learner. Inspired by experiences and observations of life in her community, she completed the manuscript at age 16. According to press reports, the author received editorial guidance from mentor Tshepo Ramodisa and published the book independently.[1]
Publication
Trouble in Diepsloot was independently published in South Africa in November 2019, with the first edition reportedly comprising 73 pages. Although widely distributed locally, there is no publicly available record of an ISBN in independent bibliographic databases.[2]
Synopsis
The novel follows a fictional teenage protagonist who grows up in Diepsloot and witnesses violence, crime, and personal loss within her neighbourhood. The story reflects broader social issues affecting township communities, including the risks young people face and the resilience they must develop in challenging environments.[1]
Themes
Themes explored in the book include community hardship, youth experiences, crime, social inequality, and the impacts of environment on individual choices. The narrative blends personal perspective with broader commentary on life in South African townships.[1]