By Ncamiso Dlamini
In a world where many teens are focused on exams and social media, 18year old Siphosothando Lubanzilwenkosi Ngwenya, known widely as Coach Proxy, has done something extraordinary, he has written a book. But this is no simple story; it is a raw, powerful guide to overcoming life’s deepest hardships, born from his own incredible journey of survival.
His book, Arise and Shine, is set for its official launch this November, and it promises to be more than just a reading, it’s a call to action for anyone who has ever felt broken.
Coach Proxy’s story begins with a pain most cannot imagine. Orphaned as an infant and enduring over 13 years of rejection and abuse, he had every reason to give up. Instead, he chose to rise.
“These experiences could have destroyed me,” Proxy admits. “But instead, they fueled my passion to inspire. Writing Arise and Shine was my way of transforming pain into purpose.”
The book invites readers on an emotional journey. “Readers will navigate through moments of pain, doubt, and struggle, but they will also encounter hope, courage, and empowerment,” he explains. “It acts as a companion, guiding readers from despair to self-discovery.”
What makes the creation of this book even more remarkable is how it was written. Entirely on his mobile phone, late at night, Proxy poured his heart onto the screen without a strict plan, letting his emotions guide the story.
“The biggest challenge was the technical limitations,” he shares. “Writing and editing on a phone was exhausting. There were moments I felt like giving up.” He overcame those doubts by focusing on his mission: to offer hope to others fighting silent battles.
The central spark for the book came from a powerful question: “If I survived everything I went through, how many others are quietly fighting similar battles and need hope?”
That question became the foundation for a narrative that is deeply personal. The character he felt most connected to was, unsurprisingly, his own. “Reliving my experiences revealed new layers of myself I hadn’t fully acknowledged,” Proxy says. “The process itself became part of the healing journey.”
He hopes readers will find that same healing power within its pages. “I want them to talk about how the book made them reflect on their own lives and find the motivation to rise above any situation,” he says. A key line in the book encapsulates this mission: “Your scars are your stories, not your shame.”
Holding the finished copy is a surreal moment for the young author. “It feels surreal and rewarding. It’s a milestone that validates every struggle, every late night, and every tear.”
As for what’s next? There’s no rest for this visionary. “I’m already planning my second book and expanding my work in youth empowerment,” Proxy states, his sights set on continuing to inspire through words and action.
For those about to pick up his book, Coach Proxy has the perfect pairing: “A warm cup of tea on a rainy day. The book is about reflection, healing, and hope after hardship. Like tea on a stormy day, it brings comfort, peace, and warmth, reminding readers that after the rain, the sun will shine again.”
Arise and Shine by Coach Proxy will be launched this November.
