Michelle Petersen's Aphiwe: A teacher's heartfelt tales of township life
Michelle Petersen, author of her new book Aphiwe.
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Through memory and lived experience as a teacher, Michelle Petersen brings the struggles and stories of children living in informal settlements vividly to life in her new book, Aphiwe, released in December last year.
Inspired by the everyday lives of children growing up in informal settlements, the book introduces readers to Aphiwe, a teenage boy navigating the harsh realities of the township life of Phumlani Village informal settlement, in Lotus River. Juggling school, friendships, and the daily challenges of surviving trauma, Aphiwe’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
An excerpt from Aphiwe captures a moment of tension and the complexity of growing up in Phumlani Village.
“Awe, Aphiwe,” came a voice behind me, sharp but familiar. Why don’t you want to talk with us anymore? Do you think you’re better than us?”
Aphiwe is a book about a teenage boy and the daily struggles he faces.
Image: Supplied
This exchange illustrates how childhood friendships can be tested by circumstances beyond anyone’s control. Through Aphiwe’s experience, Ms Petersen shows how resilience, responsibility, and hope can shine through even the most difficult environments.
The book also takes readers inside Aphiwe’s home, where every day presents new challenges.
“I thought to myself, here it comes. This man was looking for trouble, and I knew I couldn’t back down this time. I grabbed the water, and as I turned to walk away, he yanked me by my hoodie. So, you think you’re the man in this house?” he snarled.
“I squared my shoulders, heart hammering. Not anymore… because you’re back. But you must get one thing clear, mister - this is my house too.”
"Before he could strike, Auntie Nora appeared in the doorway. She didn't just stop him – she saved me. 'Are you taking his side?' he barked at her. 'No,' she said firmly, her voice shaking but strong. 'Now you have one choice – you leave, or he leaves. Choose.'"
Even at school, the weight of loss and trauma follows Aphiwe: “At school, I couldn’t focus. Every word my history teacher spoke floated past me, meaningless. My mind was consumed by the chaos waiting at home.
“The rejection I faced gnawed at me, sharper than any cut. During class, I asked to go to the bathroom, just to be alone, to let the tears fall where no one could hear or see. I pressed my face against the cold tiles, trying to stop the shaking, but the sobs wouldn’t stop.
“My heart ached for my mother - the one I had lost too soon. I missed her tender touch, the warmth of her hugs that made the world feel safe.
“Oh, how I miss my mother,” I whispered to myself, my voice cracking. The longing inside me felt like a storm I couldn’t outrun.”
For Ms Petersen, storytelling is deeply personal. Raised in Lotus River, she endured hardships, including abusive relationships, yet found healing and purpose through education. Her first book, Rise, inspired readers with messages of hope and resilience. (“How Michelle Petersen's debut book, Rise, inspires hope and resilience”, August 2025).
The Eagle Park resident reflected on a life marked by hardship and healing. Ms Petersen broke away from abusive relationships to find lasting peace. Her book, drawn from personal experiences, offers encouragement and practical advice to both men and women facing abuse.
Now, with Aphiwe, she focuses on giving a voice to young people who often feel invisible.
Ms Petersen said: “Aphiwe is for every child who feels unseen," adding that she wanted pupils to know that where you come from does not limit where you can go.
What makes Aphiwe especially powerful is Ms Petersen’s own connection to the story. As a former pupil from Zeekoevlei, she has walked the same paths as the children she now teaches. Through her writing, she shows that strength, courage, and dreams can thrive even in the toughest circumstances.
“Beyond being a moving story, Aphiwe is designed as a tool for schools, encouraging empathy, discussion, and critical thinking about real-life social challenges, inspiring young readers to imagine a brighter future,” said Ms Petersen.
”Aphiwe stands as a testament to the power of community, resilience, and hope,” said Ms Petersen.
Copies of Aphiwe are available through Ms Petersen at 076 287 4659.