Blessing Others Through Story: In Conversation with Nolubabalo Rani
Blessing Others Through Story: In Conversation with Nolubabalo Balorani
From her roots in the Eastern Cape to national literary stages, Nolubabalo has devoted her life to ensuring that children see themselves reflected in books and believe in the power of their own voices.
A Childhood Rooted in Story
Raised in the Eastern Cape by her grandfather, Nolubabalo’s love for storytelling began at home. Though her grandfather could not read or write, he valued education deeply. As a young girl, she would read letters aloud for him and write on behalf of family members.
That early responsibility planted a seed literacy was not just about books. It was about dignity, communication, and connection.
Her journey later led her to the International School of Storytelling, where she refined her craft and graduated as a professional storyteller. But long before formal training, storytelling lived in her blood.
Confronting South Africa’s Literacy Crisis
In 2011, research revealed a sobering truth: the majority of South African children could not read for meaning by Grade 4. For Nolubabalo, this was not just a statistic it was a call to action.
She became deeply involved in literacy initiatives in communities such as Nyanga and Philippi, working to:
Organize book donation drives
Host reading events in township spaces
Provide children with access to culturally relevant literature
Encourage families to build small home libraries even if starting with just one book
Her message is simple but powerful: “One child, one book.”
Access creates possibility.
Founding the Balisa Nathi Storytelling Collective
In 2018, after completing her formal storytelling training, Nolubabalo co-founded the Balisa Nathi Storytelling Collective.
The vision was clear:
Create a space where storytellers can share their craft professionally and be compensated for it.
The collective hosts storytelling sessions, open-mic platforms, and curated performances that celebrate African narratives. It also challenges the perception that storytelling is merely a hobby. Storytelling, when valued, can be a viable and dignified profession.
One of Nolubabalo’s beloved children’s books, Ubere Owoyikwayo , tells the story of a misunderstood horse feared by other animals simply because they do not understand him. Through clever storytelling, the tale explores themes of fear, prejudice, and community.
Her work emphasizes an important principle:
Children need stories rooted in their own contexts.
When books reflect local languages, familiar settings, and lived experiences, children engage more deeply. Representation is not a luxury it is essential for literacy development.
Memorable Moments on Stage
Nolubabalo has performed at renowned literary festivals, including the Open Book Festival and the Franschhoek Literary Festival.
One of her most unforgettable moments was during her graduation performance from the International School of Storytelling a performance audiences still remember years later.
Another powerful memory came during a packed festival show where, in a spontaneous creative moment, she leapt from the stage mid-performance, sat among the audience, and continued her story. The crowd responded with a standing ovation.
For Nolubabalo, storytelling is transformation.
“When I’m on stage,” she says, “I forget everything else. I am fully present in that moment.”
Tell a Story to Bless Others
Her personal motto is both a calling and a reminder:
We are blessed. Tell a story to bless others.
For Nolubabalo, storytelling is about reclaiming narrative power. Too often, African stories are written about communities rather than by them. She believes deeply in creating platforms where Black voices and lived experiences are centered authentically.
Storytelling allows communities to:
Share joy
Share pain
Preserve culture
Reimagine identity
Inspire the next generation
While acknowledging the rapid rise of technology and social media, Nolubabalo hopes that reading culture will not be left behind. She advocates for balance embracing progress without losing cultural depth.
Her dream is simple yet profound:
That future generations will inherit not only digital fluency, but a love of books, language, and heritage.
Nolubabalo Rani’s work reminds us that literacy is liberation. A book can change a child’s confidence. A story can reshape a community. A platform can restore dignity.
In every classroom, festival, and township gathering, she is doing more than telling stories she is building readers, preserving culture, and blessing others through narrative.
And perhaps that is the greatest story of all.
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