Duduza-born and bred journalist and author Esau Dlamini (38) is taking his storytelling journey from the newsroom to the literary world with the release of his debut novel, Why Did I Kill My Baby? A journalist for the Heidelberg/Nigel Heraut, Dlamini has spent more than a decade working across journalism and broadcasting, telling stories that reflect the experiences, challenges and resilience of South African communities.
His debut novel represents a new chapter in that journey. Inspired by real-life circumstances, Why Did I Kill My Baby? is a work of fiction that confronts some of society’s most difficult realities, including gender-based violence and femicide, trauma, grief, mental health, spiritual abuse, healing, forgiveness and redemption.
For Dlamini, the decision to write fiction was shaped by a lifelong passion for reading, writing and storytelling, as well as years spent listening to and documenting the experiences of others.
“Journalism has given me the opportunity to tell people’s stories, but writing a novel allowed me to explore the emotions and experiences behind those stories in a much deeper way. I wanted to create a narrative that entertains readers while also encouraging them to think, question and have difficult conversations,” he said.
A storyteller rooted in Duduza
Dlamini’s identity as a storyteller is closely connected to Duduza, Ekurhuleni, where his journey began and where his work continues to have a strong community focus.
His career has taken him across different areas of the media industry, including print journalism, radio, television and photography. He has reported on community affairs, health, social issues and human-interest stories, building a reputation for telling stories that place ordinary people and their experiences at the centre.
His commitment to his community extends beyond journalism. Dlamini is also the founder of the KwaTsaDuza Heroes Awards, an initiative established to recognize individuals, organizations and businesses making a positive contribution across the communities of Duduza, Tsakane and KwaThema. The initiative has celebrated more than 100 community champions since its establishment.
His connection to literacy and storytelling also goes back years. Earlier community initiatives associated with Dlamini focused on encouraging reading, writing, debating and public speaking among young people in Duduza. This community foundation has become an important part of his identity as both a journalist and author.
A novel inspired by real circumstances
Although Why Did I Kill My Baby? is a fictional work, Dlamini draws inspiration from circumstances that occur in real life. The novel follows characters confronting trauma, loss and difficult choices while exploring the possibility of healing and redemption.
Rather than providing simple answers to complex social problems, the book invites readers to examine the circumstances surrounding its characters and reflect on the realities that often remain hidden behind silence.
“I believe stories have the power to open conversations that people sometimes find difficult to have in real life. I want readers to connect with the characters, but I also want them to reflect on the issues the story raises,” he said.
The author hopes the novel will particularly encourage conversations around GBVF, trauma, mental health and healing, while promoting empathy and understanding.
Recognition on the African literary stage
The debut novel has already achieved an important milestone in Dlamini’s emerging literary career. Why Did I Kill My Baby? has been shortlisted for the African Authors Recognition Awards in the Debut Author category. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 28, 2026, in Windhoek, Namibia, bringing together authors from across Africa and the African diaspora.
For Dlamini, the recognition is particularly significant because it comes with his first published novel and provides an opportunity to take a story born from his South African experience onto a wider African literary platform. “Being shortlisted for the African Authors Recognition Awards as a debut author is an honour. Coming from Duduza and having spent much of my career telling community stories, it is meaningful to see this work reaching beyond my immediate surroundings. I am proud to represent South Africa in Namibia and to be part of a wider celebration of African storytelling.” he said.
From community stories to literature
Dlamini’s journey from Duduza to journalism and now to authorship reflects a career built around one central purpose: storytelling. His work has consistently focused on giving people and communities a platform, whether through journalism, broadcasting, and community initiatives or now through fiction. With Why Did I Kill My Baby?, he hopes to reach a new generation of readers while encouraging a stronger culture of reading and writing.
“I want my books to spark conversations that matter. I also want young people from communities like Duduza to see that their stories have value and that they too can become writers, journalists and storytellers, “he said.
