Terms of Use

About this platform

The Selves of Us (theselvesofus.com) is a South African literary platform founded by Tshego Khatri and operated by Mirembe Muse (Pty) Ltd. By using this site, you agree to these Terms of Use. If you do not agree, please do not use the platform.

Content and intellectual property

All written content, photography, design, and editorial work published on The Selves of Us is the intellectual property of its respective authors — primarily Tshego Khatri and Roy Michael Hewett — and is protected under South African copyright law.

You may share links to our stories and quote short excerpts (under 100 words) for non-commercial purposes, with clear attribution to The Selves of Us and the original author. You may not reproduce, republish, or adapt our content in full without written permission.

Reader submissions (Mirrors and Comments)

When you submit a Mirror (reader reflection) or comment, you grant The Selves of Us a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to publish and display your submission on the platform. You retain ownership of your words.

By submitting, you confirm that your contribution is your original work, does not infringe any third-party rights, and does not contain defamatory, hateful, or unlawful content.

All submissions are reviewed before publication. We reserve the right to decline or remove any submission without explanation.

Contributor submissions

Story submissions sent through our contributor portal are reviewed by our editorial team. Submitting a piece does not guarantee publication. We will communicate our decision by email.

Submitted work must be original, not simultaneously submitted elsewhere, and not previously published in substantially the same form. If accepted, publication terms will be confirmed in writing before your piece goes live.

The Letters newsletter

By subscribing to Letters, you consent to receiving fortnightly correspondence from Tshego Khatri and Roy Michael Hewett. You may unsubscribe at any time using the link included in every email. We do not share subscriber lists with third parties.

Conduct on the platform

When engaging with The Selves of Us, you agree not to:

• Submit content that is hateful, discriminatory, violent, or defamatory.

• Impersonate any person or misrepresent your affiliation.

• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to any part of the platform.

• Use the platform for commercial solicitation without our written consent.

Disclaimer and limitation of liability

The Selves of Us is provided “as is.” We make no warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or fitness for purpose of any content. To the fullest extent permitted by South African law, Mirembe Muse (Pty) Ltd shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss arising from your use of the platform.

Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the South African courts.

Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the platform after changes are published constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. Material changes will be announced via the Letters newsletter.