Book 16 After the Fires:  Unlocking the Power of Letting Go Nozipho Tshabalala

A personal reflection by Phiwe Mncwabe

I started following NoziphoTshabalala, affectionately known as Nozi, ten years ago. At the time, I was a final-year student searching for inspiration online– and there she was: a lifeline and the online big sister I didn’t know I needed. From there on, I never missed any interview or appearance just to hear her voice, her thoughts and her heart. So, when she mentioned on The Conversation Capital podcast that she was publishing her first book, I was elated. 

If you, like myself, have struggled with control this is the book for you.  After the Fires: Unlocking the Power of Letting Go is by far one of the best books I’ve read in 2025. I highly recommend that you purchase and read this book. Take it from me– After the Fires will help you unlearn old habits and realign yourself with your greater purpose. The book caters for all  readers, even those who don’t consider themselves avid readers. 

More than that, After the Fires is also an ode to the African child– a reminder that possibilities can transform into realities with a courageous heart and burning desire to spark change. 

Nozi not only takes us through her journey but opens herself up to what many of us silently struggle with: control. 

Control is a deep-seated wound found within many African cultures. To some extent, I attribute this to the legacy of colonialism. There was a period that dictated where the African child could live, work, travel or go school. Segregation controlled most parts of our destinies and to this day it shapes our worldviews. What we inherited was control–the need to have a say in our own lives and destinies. Yet, what we forgot to learn was evolution, adaptation, flexibility and the art of letting go. 

After the Fires: Unlocking the Power of Letting Go teaches us just that– how to release and in doing so, unlock the greatness within. Nozi does this and exceeds every expectation. She has shattered glass ceilings in her career and sat in rooms where life-changing decisions are made. She has contributed to meaningful discourses, held stages with world-renowned leaders and continues to remind us why it is essential to let go of the past versions of ourselves. Because letting go is a power– the  power to uncover  what lies beneath the surface.

For me personally, unlocking a career designed to fulfil purpose and answer a call to meaningful conversations is admirable. Nozi’s ability to see what the world needs and then be the answer to that need is extraordinary. To dedicate herself to designing and delivering impactful conversations that drive measurable outcomes and effect societal change is outstanding. And what takes the cup is her courage to birth her own job title–Conversation Strategist.  Remarkable.

All this came to life because of letting go–letting go of control what was weighing her down, what no longer contributed to her growth and development. After the Fires reminds us that we cannot evolve without being tested and that control only makes sense because it’s safer. But if we all chose the safer route–control–would history even remember us? 

With that said, thank you , Nozi,  for After the Fires. Thank you for opening up your heart and sharing your life. Your vulnerability answers some of the most potent questions that many hearts quietly desire. Your courage and brave heart give so many of us hope. Your story is a possibility for African children like myself. You have touched many with your book, more importantly, taught us to let go. 

Because if we are to unlock who we are called to be, we need to have the power to fully let go–to be the best versions of ourselves and to allow our journeys to unfold gracefully. After the Fires is exactly what I needed in 2025 – a reminder that my dreams have a place in this world.

Khuphuka Nozi, forever routing for you. 

Book 16 in 2025.

A very wholesome, powerful and informative read.

Phiwe Mncwabe is a pan-African storyteller, blogger and founder of Botlhale Hub Afrika.

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