Hlagala

Tokelo Hlagala’s book ＂Poor Folk/s＂ is a collection of stories that sheds light on the experiences of poverty and marginalization in South Africa. The book features a range of characters. In the four short stories we meet individuals struggling to make ends meet, working informal jobs, we meet women who have to sacrifice their wellbeing for the sake of their children.
Through his stories, Hlagala challenges the stereotypical narratives of poverty that often dominate public discourse in South Africa, which tend to blame the poor for their own circumstances and ignore the structural inequalities that underlie poverty and marginalization. Instead, Hlagala highlights the resilience and ingenuity of the poor, showing how they navigate the challenges of poverty and find ways to survive despite the odds against them.
Overall, ＂Poor Folk/s＂ is a powerful and insightful work that provides a humanizing portrayal of poverty, lack, and class in South Africa, challenging readers to confront their own assumptions and biases and to work towards a more just and equitable society.