Itumeleng Lebese
Itumeleng Lebese is a South African author whose fiction has been covered in national press reporting. She is best known for her novel Trouble in Diepsloot, which depicts township life through a fictional narrative.
Early life
Itumeleng Lebese was born in Mokopane in Limpopo and raised in the township of Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg.She began writing poetry and short stories as a child, developing an early interest in storytelling.
Education
Lebese completed her secondary schooling at Kwena Molapo High School in Gauteng, where she excelled in languages including English and Sepedi.She went on to study Public Relations Management at Nelson Mandela University.
In 2025, she graduated with a qualification in Public Relations and Communication, combining her academic training with her work as an author and advocate.
Career
Lebese wrote her debut novel, Trouble in Diepsloot, while in her mid‑teens and published it independently in 2019. The novel draws on her observations of life in Diepsloot and the challenges faced by young township residents.The book tells the story of a fictional teenage protagonist and addresses themes such as violence, crime, and community resilience.
In addition to writing, Lebese has been involved in youth advocacy and mentorship programmes. She represented South African youth at an international event in London, and has used her PR and communication skills to support community development work.