Dr. Maruping Phepheng is a published South African author, biographer, and literary scholar whose work spans novels, poetry, short stories, and children’s literature. Born in Christiana in the North West Province and raised in Utlwanang township, his background shaped a storytelling voice deeply connected to community, culture, and lived experience.

Since releasing his debut novel What Happens in Hankaroo… in 2013, he has authored several literary works exploring themes of identity, society, morality, love, and human resilience. His novels Tlhokaina and Without Further Ado were longlisted for the Humanities and Social Sciences Awards, recognising his contribution to contemporary South African literature.

Dr. Phepheng holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Rhodes University and a PhD in English Literature from the University of the Western Cape, where he received the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Doctoral Fellowship. His academic and creative expertise enables him to craft narratives that are both intellectually grounded and emotionally compelling.