Ballito-based author Lunga Ntuli has just launched his tenth book –
and his first written for children.
Lunga recently launched Nomfundo: The Girl Who Chose to Rise at the Simbithi Wine Gallery in Salt Rock. But it was more than just a book launch. Together with partners, including the Linc Foundation, Siza Water and Inkanyiso School Shoes, he has set out to place 10 000 donated copies into the hands of children across under-resourced schools on the North Coast.
“This book is more than a story; it’s a tool to plant seeds of hope and confidence in the hearts of our children,” he says. “My goal is not just to sell a book, but to make a tangible impact by ensuring this message reaches those who need it most.”
A life shaped by sport
Lunga grew up on the North Coast, and his early life revolved around school and sport. After receiving a cricket scholarship in high school, he had hoped to play professional cricket but instead found his calling in coaching girls’ cricket.
His first book, Love vs Sports, grew out of a newspaper column where he explored life lessons through sport.
More titles followed, including his bestseller Why Men Cheat and Women Do It Better, but with Nomfundo, he’s chosen a different focus.
A story rooted in real life
Nomfundo: The Girl Who Chose to Rise tells the story of a young girl raised by her grandmother, navigating hardship through courage, education and faith. It’s a narrative that Ntuli hopes children will see themselves in. “With this book, the aim is to get it into the hands of the kids. I want them to say, because of this book, this is the first story that gave me hope.”
The book is short and accessible, intended for readers from Grade One to Grade Four. For Lunga, that simplicity is vital: “When kids finish this book in an hour, or in 30 minutes, I’m so happy. Because I know it will be the first book many of them complete.”
A community mission
Lunga’s dream of distributing 10 000 copies is ambitious, but already supported by committed partners. The Linc Foundation have purchased the first batch of books, with more community partners invited to join.
He sees this project as a continuation of work he has been quietly doing for years: visiting schools, giving motivational talks and encouraging pupils to hold on to hope. “Over the past years, I have gone to so many schools, just sharing my story. This is not something new – it’s always been in my heart.”
Looking ahead
Lunga plans to translate the book into isiZulu and take it on a roadshow of schools across the province. He hopes the story of Nomfundo will travel far beyond Ballito, offering children not only a book to read, but a reason to believe in their own strength.
“It only takes one person to believe,” he says. “One yes at a time and we will get there.”
Details: To purchase the book, get in touch with Lunga on
064 542 6198.
