Nompilo is Cover2Cover’s first full-colour illustrated children’s book for 10–12-year-olds. The story began as an innovative theatre production created by ASSITEJ South Africa, blending traditional African storytelling with contemporary theatre to explore the difficult issue of child sexual abuse in a sensitive, age-appropriate, and empowering way.
Written by Lalu Mokuku and Omphile Molusi, the story is set in the magical forest of Emahlathini. Three friends — Balindile, Nompilo, and Manana — set off to find the “big wise tree” for inspiration for their community blanket project. But when Nompilo becomes separated from her friends and encounters a predatory Jackal, the story shifts into a powerful journey of survival, courage, healing, and justice.
Through the metaphor of forest animals representing different parts of the justice system — “The Justice Jungle” — children are gently introduced to the processes of reporting abuse, seeking help, and finding support.
Developed by ASSITEJ South Africa in partnership with the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, and the Department of Basic Education, the theatre production — together with its accompanying workshops — has already reached more than 15,000 children across South Africa between September 2025 and March 2026.
Teachers, social workers, health professionals, members of the judiciary, and community leaders who attended performances witnessed how storytelling can help children speak about abuse and understand that they deserve protection and support.
The message at the heart of Nompilo is simple but powerful: abuse is never a child’s fault, children have the right to be safe, and speaking up is an act of courage.
In South Africa, as many as 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18. Many suffer in silence and confusion. This book was created to help children know they are not alone — and that there are adults, communities, and systems that can help protect and support them.
To help this important story reach even more children, ASSITEJ South Africa and the writers worked closely with Cover2Cover to adapt the play into a beautifully illustrated book designed for homes, schools, libraries, and community spaces.
Nompilo has been created with great care to support safer conversations between children and trusted adults. It encourages children to ask questions, speak out, and understand that healing, hope, and justice are possible.
Together, we can help build a safer and more caring world for children.