Cassava Republic’s Ankara Press has acquired the World rights (excluding Southern Africa) to the highly anticipated duology THE THING WITH ZOLA and I DO…DON’T I? by South African writer, Zibu Sithole. Boluwatito Sanusi, assistant editor at Ankara Press, acquired the rights from Aoife Lennon-Ritchie at The Lennon-Ritchie Agency. The publication is scheduled for Summer 2026.
THE THING WITH ZOLA is a humorous and sexy beach read that follows twenty-nine-year-old Zola as she returns home to Vosloorus, South Africa, after a decade abroad in Europe. Forced to leave behind her life, lover, and the dreams she had begun to build in Germany, Zola finds herself navigating the challenges of finding employment and mastering Johannesburg’s chaotic taxi system. As she re-enters her family’s world and the intricacies of local politics, an unexpected office romance blooms, and she grapples with where she truly belongs. The Sunday Times praised the novel as ‘a captivating exploration of love found in unexpected places against the backdrop of contemporary South African social issues… a delightful journey through life’s twists and turns, where Zola unravels the threads of her existence.’
I DO…DON’T I, the much-anticipated sequel, continues Zola’s sparkling and tender love story with the charismatic Mbali as they navigate the complexities of a long-distance relationship between Kigali and Johannesburg. The narrative also brings to life the vivacious Okuhle, the audacious Thobile, and the stoic Ongama, weaving together a whirlwind of laughter, tears, and the question of whether love can truly conquer all. The Southern Mail called it ‘fast-paced, saucy, and highly diverting… a quick, fun, drama-filled, humorous read full of local flavour.’
Boluwatito Sanusi said: ‘These books embody everything Ankara Press stands for: fresh, sharp and absolutely invested in the love, longing, and joy of Black women’s lives. Zola’s world is alive with chaos, longing and humour, and I can’t wait for readers across the globe to fall for her as hard as we did.’
Zibu Sithole said: ‘I’m beyond excited to share Zola’s story with readers all over the world. My hope is that more Black women see themselves in this series and realise just how deserving they are of their dreams, their love, and their friendships. Writing these books helped me reach that same realisation. I’m incredibly grateful to Ankara Press—an imprint founded by a Black woman, just like me—for bringing our stories to the world.’
Aoife Lennon-Ritchie, MD at The Lennon-Ritchie Agency, said: ‘I’m so happy to have been able to help this delightful duology of novels find its UK home with Cassava Republic’s
Ankara imprint. The books have already found a loyal and clamorous readership in South Africa thanks to Pan Macmillan South Africa. I can’t wait to see how readers in the rest of the English-speaking world take to Zola and her funny, messy, relatable search for love and belonging.’
Andrea Nattrass, Publisher at Pan Macmillan South Africa, said: ‘Pan Macmillan South Africa is excited to work with The Lennon-Ritchie Agency and Ankara Press to bring the novels of Zibu Sithole to an international audience. Readers are in for a treat as they immerse themselves in Zola’s world.’