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'Bullying at school and hurtful comments from family members, who’d call me ummyamane took a toll on my self-esteem,' said Meso.
Radio 2000’s Ntombi Meso is releasing a children’s book on World Book Day, April 23. Picture: ntombi_meso/Instagram
Childhood trauma has a proven impact on how those children turn out when they reach adulthood, with the effect more often than not, a negative one.
Radio 2000 broadcaster Ntombi Meso was bullied and vilified in her childhood solely because of her dark skin tone.
However, she has used those childhood scars to carve out a kinder future for kids like her by releasing a children’s book titled I Am Lovely and Dark.
“Bullying at school and hurtful comments from family members, who’d call me ummyamane [the dark one], took a toll on my self-esteem,” Meso told The Citizen.
Growing up as a dark-skinned little girl, Meso says she struggled to fit into traditional beauty standards.
“Despite my parents’ unwavering love and affirmation at home, the outside world often sent a different message. The media’s lack of representation made me feel invisible, reinforcing the painful notion that I wasn’t beautiful.”
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Meso’s ‘I Am Lovely and Dark’
As a broadcaster, podcasting is a low-hanging fruit for Meso. She could’ve easily chosen to speak about representation in that format, but she says she wrote a book to create a tangible, lasting resource that could reach young minds and hearts.
“As a broadcaster, I’ve had the platform to share stories and spark conversations, but a book becomes a keepsake. It can be revisited, passed on, and cherished,” said Meso.
Meso said the idea to write the book was sparked by her reflection on her childhood and the lack of representation that she noticed.
“If I had access to books that celebrated diverse beauty and identity, it could’ve made a profound difference in how I saw myself,” shared Meso.
Written for children aged 4–8, the themes resonate far beyond that, according to Meso.
I Am Lovely and Dark will be published on World Book Day, April 23.
Meso said she chose the day because it’s a day that champions reading and publishing—values that align beautifully with I Am Lovely and Dark.
“It’s also an opportunity to spotlight stories like Kayise’s, and I hope this encourages both young readers and their families to embrace narratives that uplift, include, and inspire,” she said.
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An extension of her radio show
Listeners of her radio show, Better Together, will not be surprised by the broadcaster’s positivity. Her mid-morning show is centred on positivity that stems from unity.
“This book is an extension of the heart and energy I bring to radio,” shared Meso.
“I’ve always aimed to be a source of light and encouragement, and I Am Lovely and Dark is a natural continuation of that mission. It’s rooted in love, hope, and the belief that every child deserves to feel seen and celebrated.”
More than just the book, each copy of I am Lovely and Dark will come with a set of 15 affirmation cards to help children and parents build confidence together.
“My biggest hope is that the book promotes positive representation and helps young readers cultivate self-love, acceptance, and empathy. I want it to be a tool for change—shifting how we speak to our children and ourselves about beauty, value, and identity.”
To put the book together, Meso collaborated with Marcia Ramodike from Evelyn 50 Publishing, whom she described as a guiding light throughout the process.
Lunga Jonas brought the story to life through illustrations, while Camilla Mhlambi handled the marketing.
“It was a beautiful team effort that showed me just how powerful collaboration can be.”
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Ntombi Meso diversifying brand
Meso’s voice is one of the most recognisable in the country, but her impact is visible beyond the airwaves.
The move into literature is another way the broadcaster is diversifying her brand. She is also a voice-over artist who teaches hopeful voice-over artists.
“Diversifying has been essential. It allows me to grow, remain relevant, and explore new creative avenues,” says Meso.
“Each part of my journey—broadcasting, DJing, voiceovers, and now writing—has deepened my connection with audiences in different ways.”
She shared that podcasting and television are on the horizon.
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