MTHATHA – Young author, Mabutho Jodo (17), explores memory, identity, history and the transformative power of storytelling, with the aim of preserving South Africa’s history and helping future generations learn more about the country.
Besides being an author, Jodo is an independent researcher and founder of Varity Axis, based in Mthatha. He is in Grade 10 at Mpindweni Senior Secondary School in Mthatha. His writing has appeared in literary and youth publications, and he is the author of several ongoing projects spanning poetry, fiction, memoir and interdisciplinary research.
“As a self-directed scholar, I am developing Metaphorical Quantum Mechanics (MQM), an interdisciplinary framework that brings together history, philosophy and theoretical concepts to explore human experience and social transformation. Through my poetry, essays and long-form writing, I challenge inherited narratives and encourage critical reflection on the world around us,” he said.
He added that his work is driven by a commitment to truth-seeking, intellectual curiosity and the belief that stories can inspire both personal and collective change.
“Growing up in South Africa, I realised that history is too often treated as something dead and buried in textbooks. Yet the truth is that the past actively shapes the present, deeply affecting young people who never lived through those historical events.
“It influences our opportunities, our social standing and how we understand ourselves. I started writing because I wanted to help decide how it impacts our modern realities, using literacy and storytelling to reclaim our narratives, heal unseen wounds and encourage critical thinking among the youth. That passion eventually led me towards both authorship and independent research.”
Jodo said there were times when he felt that the structure of school did not fully accommodate his creativity and research interests. While he valued education, he often found himself exploring ideas beyond the curriculum, which motivated him to develop as a writer and independent thinker. His research journey eventually led him to develop MQM, through which he explores the relationship between history, consciousness, human experience and social reality.
“Being an author and independent researcher helps me understand the world beyond what is written in textbooks. Through writing, I explore how history, society and human experiences shape our lives today. It has strengthened my critical thinking, creativity and communication skills, while also giving me a platform to encourage literacy and meaningful dialogue among young people.”
Jodo believes that young people gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them through his work. He wants to show them that their stories matter, that literacy is a tool for empowerment, and that understanding the past can help them navigate the present and build a better future.
“South Africa continues to deal with the effects of its historical past. Through MQM, I hope to provide a new way of examining how history, memory and human experience shape our society.
“By encouraging critical thinking and self-reflection, I believe it can help young people and communities better understand themselves, engage with social issues and become active participants in shaping a better future.”
He confirmed that he is still in the early stages of his publishing journey.
Jodo has published three poems on Funza, titled Blood and Ink, The Rebel’s Lens and The Failure of the Diamond.
He is also working on several book projects, including his completed poetry collection, The Lens of My Heart, and other works in progress such as Fractured, The Art of Falling, The Hidden Curriculum of Reality, The Orphan’s Legacy, I Am a Rebel and The Hollow Skull Poetry Collection.
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