At just 16 years old Strand local Annemie van Wyk is breaking barriers as the youngest writer featured at the 2025 Indie Authors Rise Up Book Festival, which is currently running in the Helderberg.
Her event, “Cape Talk’s Tessa chats to Annemie and Alvin”, will be held at the Imibala Trust in Somerset West at 15:30 on Sunday (24 August). It promises to showcase a fresh voice with a powerful story.
Annemie’s journey into writing has been anything but ordinary. Living with epilepsy and proudly neurodivergent, she turned to words as a way of finding strength in struggle. What started as a personal outlet has now become her debut poetry collection, Breathe; Gentle Whispers of Healing.
The anthology speaks directly to teens and young adults, weaving themes of honesty, resilience and hope. It is, as Annemie describes it, “a friend on the page”. Each poem offers comfort while tackling the real challenges of growing up in today’s world.
“Writing gave me a voice,” Annemie explains. “Now I want my words to remind others they’re not alone.”
What makes her voice stand out is her ability to transform vulnerability into strength. Annemie’s poems don’t shy away from pain, but instead turns it into something tender and meaningful. This authenticity resonates deeply with younger readers, who see their own struggles reflected in her lines.
But the young poet’s appearance at the festival, which runs at various venues across the basin until Sunday, is not only a personal milestone; it is also a symbol of the new spaces being created for diverse, independent voices. Indie Authors Rise Up celebrates stories from all backgrounds, and she represents the next generation of authors stepping forward to be heard.
Though the youngest among the festival’s writers, Annemie embraces that reality with a certain panache. Rather than seeing her age as a barrier she views it as her strength. “Sometimes young voices are overlooked, but we have stories worth telling too. Being part of this festival shows those stories matter.”
The Strand resident’s journey has local roots, but universal reach. Her poetry speaks not only to her peers in South Africa, but anyone searching for light in the midst of difficulty. Her words carry a reminder that healing is not distant, but can be found in simple, gentle acts of expression.
Annemie’s upcoming session is set to be a highlight, offering an open conversation with Cape Talk station manager Tessa van Staden and fellow author Alvin Witten. For readers and aspiring writers it will be a chance to see a young trailblazer whose courage and creativity are paving the way for others.
Looking ahead, Annemie hopes to continue growing her craft, writing more and inspiring her generation. She believes in the power of books to create community and to remind people they are never alone in their struggles.
Tickets for the session are now available online at www.theclowderbookstore.com.
