KWANDE FEST ICON FEATURE

Meet Pragashnie Naidoo

Author | Storyteller | Literary Voice of Healing

As part of Kwande Fest’s ICON Feature — celebrating individuals shaping KwaZulu-Natal’s Orange Economy — we honour Pragashnie Naidoo, a Durban-based author and storyteller whose work bridges literature, healing, and social reflection.

Through her writing, Pragashnie gives voice to lived experiences, generational trauma, and the emotional realities that often go unspoken.

Below, she shares her journey in her own words.

Tell us who you are, what you do, and where you are from.

I am Pragashnie Naidoo, a Specialist Wellness and Lay Counsellor, author, storyteller, and editor at my own company, Kadalshi. I am from Durban — a place where we always have fun in the sun.

As an author, what inspires you to tell the stories you tell?

I am inspired by injustices in the world and issues surrounding mental health.

I have a passion for exposing the cracks in social constructs and discrimination, especially against children and vulnerable communities. My own life experiences and environment also influence the stories I tell.

When and how did your love for writing begin?

Interestingly, I never imagined I would become a writer. My journey began at the age of 24, a year after my first son was born. I suddenly felt the urge to tell stories about the injustices I grew up witnessing within my family, school, and community.

Joining a writing club helped nurture this love, while my spiritual and healing journey revealed the deeper power of words and storytelling.

What is your proudest milestone as an author?

Writing my first novel, Specks of Dust, was a proud moment. However, completing the prequel/sequel, Wrinkles Through Time, feels even more significant. It represents growth, persistence, and a deeper commitment to storytelling.

I believe my proudest milestone is still ahead of me.

What message are you most passionate about sharing through your work?

Giving a voice to vulnerable communities — especially children.

I strongly believe in peaceful parenting and in breaking cycles of generational trauma.

Children deserve to grow up in safe, loving environments. Healing ourselves allows us to raise the next generation with awareness and intention.

Another important theme in my work is religious trauma — something that is often overlooked but very real.

What current projects are you working on?

My upcoming book, Wrinkles Through Time, is currently in its final production phase.

I am also enrolled in a PhD in Social Science and developing a workshop called Your Write to Heal, which focuses on using writing as a healing tool.

Additionally, I am working on a poetry and short story anthology through a community writing initiative.

We see that you have a writing club — can you tell us more about it?

Yes — it’s called Book of Rhymes and Stories.

It is a monthly gathering space for writers to share poetry and stories in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The Durban branch is active, and a Johannesburg branch is launching soon.

The aim is to create a safe, open community where people can explore storytelling and creative expression.

Do you feel that KZN authors are celebrated enough?

We are moving in the right direction, but more support is needed.

Recognition alone is not enough — authors need funding, platforms, and visibility.

Investing in youth writing programmes and community storytelling spaces could greatly strengthen KZN’s literary future.

How do you hope your work will impact future generations?

I hope readers find parts of themselves reflected in my stories.

I want younger generations to better understand the struggles of those who came before them — especially women and children.

For aspiring writers, I hope my journey reminds them that it is never too late to tell their story.

Where can people access your work?

My work is available via:

🌐 www.pragashnienaidoo.com
🌐 www.kadalshi.com
📧 info@pragashnienaidoo.com

Why Kwande Fest Honours Pragashnie Naidoo

Pragashnie’s work transforms storytelling into a tool for healing, awareness, and generational change.

She represents the power of literature within the Orange Economy — not only as creative expression, but as a force for social impact.

Through her voice, stories become spaces for reflection, connection, and transformation.

And that is what makes her a true Kwande Fest Literary Icon.

Interview by HOC