Conversations with the Angel Within
2025 · PoetryA reflective poetry collection exploring healing, self-discovery and personal transformation.
Author · Publisher · Story Developer
Julia
Lemekwane
Creating, owning and sharing African stories across books, screen and community platforms.
About Julia
Stories that belong to us.
Julia Lemekwane is a South African author, publisher, creative writer and cultural practitioner based in Mamelodi, Pretoria. Her work explores identity, healing, culture, spirituality and the experiences of young people.
She is the founder of Royal Bookstore, an independent publishing and literary platform supporting emerging and marginalised writers through manuscript development, editing, publishing, promotion and mentorship.
Her practice is driven by a belief that African stories deserve to be created, owned, published and shared by African storytellers.
Selected Work
Books · Screen · StoryTintswalo
AuthorAn original literary work reflecting Julia’s commitment to African storytelling.
Vusokoti
AuthorA National Arts Council-supported creative project.
Wool Over My Eyes
NovelAn original African narrative developed through Julia’s literary practice.
The Sting of Betrayal
A film project developed for an NFVF PESP application.
MTN One TV Micro-Drama
Development of a proposed 30-episode micro-drama format.
Recognition
Creative leadership
Founder and Publisher of Royal Bookstore, Creative Writer with Global Shapers Tshwane Hub, and Executive Director of Manenzhe Foundation.
- 01BASA Debut Pitch Den — Mentor’s Special Prize, Literary Arts (2026)
- 02JCI Creative Young Entrepreneur — Second Runner-Up (2025)
- 03Vita Basadi Awards — Runner-Up, Outstanding Creative
- 04African Liberty Writing Fellowship — Selected Fellow (2026–2027)
- 05Code for Africa Fact-Checker Fellowship (2026)