AUTHOR | FOUNDER, KERCHHOFF IMPACT INITIATIVE
Hannah Kerchhoff
Hannah Kerchhoff is a South African author, essayist and founder based in Johannesburg, with roots in the Cape Flats. Her debut essay collection, My Undoing, was published in December 2024. She founded the Kerchhoff Impact Initiative, a registered nonprofit company.
Bio
Hannah Kerchhoff is a South African author, essayist, multi-instrumentalist and founder based in Johannesburg, with roots in the Cape Flats. She spent a few years in Texas before returning home.
Her debut essay collection, My Undoing, was published by Shofar Books in December 2024. Her writing explores faith, identity and what it means to live truthfully and intentionally, and she writes the newsletter Built to Hold Multitudes. She has appeared on SABC 3's Expresso, CCFM 107.5 and Bush Radio 89.5.
In 2026, Hannah was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, which she describes as her whole life finally making sense. She has come to see the way her mind works as a strength.
She is the founder and executive director of the Kerchhoff Impact Initiative, a registered nonprofit company building public programming for communities, and the founder of Kerchhoff Marketing Agency. Hannah plays flute, piano and guitar and writes original music.
AT A GLANCE
Based in
Johannesburg, South Africa
Book
My Undoing, Shofar Books, 2024
Founder
Kerchhoff Impact Initiative
Newsletter
Built to Hold Multitudes
Instruments
Flute, piano, guitar
DEBUT PUBLICATION
My Undoing
A remarkable exploration of resilience and self-discovery.
Hannah’s journey is a remarkable exploration of resilience and self-discovery. By openly exhibiting her challenges, she creates a space for authenticity that encourages others to do the same. This vulnerability is not a sign of weakness; rather, it’s a profound strength that enables growth.
Through her experiences, Hannah illustrates how confronting difficulties head-on can lead to deeper self-understanding and ultimately to a more balanced life. Her insights are particularly valuable in a society that often magnifies negativity: in an era dominated by headlines highlighting despair, Hannah’s perspective serves as a refreshing reminder of the lessons hidden within our struggles.
Shofar Books, December 2024
Selected Writing
Choosing Stillness Over Striving
The door that opened when I stopped being desperate.
8 min read
There is Mercy in the Deep Waters
On swimming, struggle and moving with grace.
6 min read
Media
PANELS
Storm Joy Speaks: Gender-Based Violence (Produced by Lebz Media)
Panelist
SEP 2020
Storm Joy Speaks: Socially Acceptable Dress Codes (Produced by Lebz Media)
Panelist
SEP 2020
RADIO
CapeTalk 567
Live Interview alongside Noah Kerchhoff
JAN 2023
Heart FM 104.9
Live interview alongside Noah Kerchhoff
OCT 2022
CCFM 107.5
Live interview and performance
FEB 2020
Bush Radio 89.5
Live interview
NOV 2019
TELEVISION
SABC 3, Expresso Show
Lead Vocalist, Jazzathon Promo
JAN 2020
The Voice
Feature by Robin-Lee Francke
NOV 2019
Athlone News Community Newspaper
Feature by Nabeelah Mohideen
NOV 2019
SA Music News & Entertainment
Feature by Summer-Raine
NOV 2019
Contact
Media and press enquiries
hannah@kerchhofflegacy.org