JOSHLIN, MEER AS 'N NAAM

88pp., illus., paperback, Protea, Pretoria, 2026

ISBN: 9781485316275

This play is based on the tragic story of Joshlin Smith, the six-year-old girl who mysteriously disappeared outside her home in Saldanha Bay in February 2024, and is yet to be found. Her mother was convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her, and was sentenced to life imprisonment, along with her two accomplices.

Note from the author: The drama does not attempt to irresponsibly reflect the reality surrounding the life and disappearance of Joshlin Smith. It attempts to create space for reflection and action, as much as possible.

"Die aantyging kom van hoe walglik 'n samelewing is wat nie na sy kinders kyk nie; wat geen respek vir one toekoms het nie. Ons versmoor in 'n oorversadigte wêreld van slegte nuus; van kinderverdwynings en sosiale verval. Ons is almal aandadig. Dis die kaalkop waarheid wat hierdie toneelstuk in elkeen se skootkom lê. Aangrypend. Skokkend. Rou." Maryke Roberts, LitNet

Herschelle Benjamin studied drama at Stellenbosch University and was awarded a Jakes Gerwel residency for young playwrights. His plays include Korreltjie kop klong is my dood, Die al kind, Agulhasvlakte and In Slavenhuis 39, which won a SALA Award. A playwright, arts journalist, actor and director, he works as a publicity specialist at kykNET.