10 Websites to Read Afrikaans Short Stories for Free
There are some great corners of the internet filled with modern Afrikaans stories just waiting to be read.
As an Afrikaans speaker (or someone learning the language), you know that one of the best ways to connect with the culture and master the nuances is through its literature. Afrikaans short stories, in particular, offer a bite-sized escape into the Afrikaans world beyond vocabulary lists.
But it’s not as simple as typing a title into Google. Most of the big-name Afrikaans stories are protected by copyright, which means they’re locked behind books and journals where the authors can be paid properly. Fair enough. Luckily, a few generous writers are publishing their stories online, free for anyone to read.
Stick around, because we’ve tracked down the wonderful corners of the internet dedicated to keeping these stories alive and accessible.
Table of Contents
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for Afrikaans Literature
Skryfgeheime
Skryfgeheime started as a writing advice site but has grown into a space where people share their own work. The short stories posted here come from writers still learning their craft alongside those who’ve been doing it for years. The site is a reminder that Afrikaans storytelling isn’t limited to print — it’s alive online, too.
Read their Afrikaans short stories.
LitNet
LitNet has long been part of South Africa’s online reading culture. The site covers opinion pieces, essays, and creative writing in different genres. Its fiction section is well-known for publishing Afrikaans short stories by writers who care about language and storytelling. Many authors submit directly to LitNet’s “Nuwe Skryfwerk” section, which gives the platform a mix of styles. The stories come from both new and established writers who write in their own voice.
INK Tydskrif
INK is a community hub for Afrikaans creative writing. It publishes stories, poems, and other writing that readers can comment on and share. The short stories on Ink come from all kinds of contributors — some professional, others writing for the love of it.
Rooi Rose’s Afrikaans Short Stories
Rooi Rose is one of South Africa’s oldest women’s magazines, and its short story section still draws plenty of attention. Most of their Afrikaans short stories are written by seasoned writers, sometimes published authors. They focus on relationships, second chances, and personal lessons.
Storiewerf
Storiewerf is a long-standing website that focuses on children’s and youth literature in Afrikaans.
The site has themed sections such as Grilgrot, which collects scary stories for younger readers who like a thrill, and Haasbekkies, a series written for beginner readers still learning to read confidently. Storiewerf also publishes short excerpts from newly released books, giving readers a preview before they decide what to read next.
Afrikaans.com
Afrikaans.com celebrates the language in all forms — from culture and music to books and education. Among its many features, it also shares free stories for children. Each story appears as a full text on the site, allowing direct access. The platform is geared toward language learning and reading development.
Kleuters.co.za
Kleuters.co.za is a must for parents and teachers looking for Afrikaans stories for young kids. It’s filled with learning material, activities, and stories written to entertain while teaching gentle lessons. Most of the stories feature animals or playful situations that end on a positive note. They’re simple, kind-hearted, and perfect for bedtime or storytime in class.
Pepe.lt
Pepe.lt offers downloadable books in various languages, including Afrikaans. The Afrikaans section includes short fiction for both children and adults. Many stories are public domain texts or community uploads. The short stories here range from folktales to modern stories you can save as PDFs and read offline. It’s ideal if you prefer something to keep on your tablet or print out for later.
Afrikaans-Afrikaans.weebly.com
This site includes grammar lessons, reading exercises, and a section of Afrikaans short stories worth bookmarking. The stories are drawn from older collections and open-access sources, which makes it useful for schools and learners. You can move between reading practice and short fiction without leaving the site.
Read their Afrikaans stories here and here.
Scribd
Scribd hosts a variety of documents, books, and collections uploaded by users. Afrikaans short stories appear here as public uploads, shared by writers seeking readers. The site accommodates independent authors who want to distribute their work digitally without formal publishing channels.
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