llustrated by Luma Animation and adapted from the final screenplay by legendary creator Verna Vels, ‘Liewe Heksie en die Rotbende’ marks a historic milestone in bringing Blommeland to global audiences.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa. Luma Animation, the internationally acclaimed Johannesburg-based animation studio and official IP custodians of South Africa’s most cherished storybook world, is proud to announce the publication of Liewe Heksie en die Rotbende. Published in partnership with Human & Rousseau, this landmark release marks the first time in her 65-year history that South Africa’s beloved, well-meaning little witch arrives in an English-language story, and serves as a major milestone on the road to Luma’s upcoming full-length animated feature film.

Adapted from the original feature screenplay written by the late Verna Vels, the book is brought to life with rich, vibrant illustrations designed and crafted by Luma Animation, led by celebrated South African character artist and production designer Allan Cameron.

A Story Two Decades in the Making

The journey to this historic release began in 2007, when award-winning producer Dumi Gumbi partnered with Paul Meyer, co-founder and CEO of Luma Animation, and approached Verna Vels to write an original, full-length animated feature script. Drawing inspiration from her 1999 story Liewe Heksie en die rotbende, Verna expanded the tale into her most expansive and ambitious narrative yet, weaving multiple storylines together, introducing new characters, and famously adding a runaway spaceship (or as Heksie affectionately calls it, a “flying porridge plate”).

To visualize this new era of Blommeland (Flowerland), Luma brought on acclaimed art director Allan Cameron. Working alongside Verna at her kitchen table in Brixton, Cameron spent countless hours sketching, designing, and breathing new visual life into her characters with her personal blessing and delight.

Following Verna’s passing in 2014 at the age of 81, Luma formally acquired the Liewe Heksie IP, dedicating itself to realizing her dream of a full-scale cinematic feature.

The Book

As Luma continues development on the feature film, Liewe Heksie en die Rotbende stands as Verna Vels’ final gift to readers. Adapted into a chapter book by Kobus Geldenhuys and skillfully translated by award-winning translator Elsa Silke, the book is lavishly illustrated by Luma Animation, capturing the expressive warmth, humor, and charm of the upcoming film’s visual development.

In this adventure, the wicked Yellow Witch of Gifappeltjieland (Bad-Apple Land) and a greedy gang of Rotbende (Robber Rats) conspire to steal the magical Silver Rose. Without it, everything in Blommeland will wither away. Caught in the middle of a bewitched Skoenhond (shoe-dog), a malfunctioning flying saucer, and a ruined royal birthday party, Heksie and her companions embark on a chaotic quest to save their home.

"Bringing Liewe Heksie to the screen and page has been a labor of love for everyone at Luma for over fifteen years," says Paul Meyer, CEO and Director of Luma Animation. "Sitting with Verna in Brixton and watching her react to Allan Cameron’s character designs was pure magic. While Verna didn’t live to see the film hit the big screen, this book, and the feature film currently in development, are the realization of her ultimate vision. We are honored to be the custodians of this South African treasure and thrilled to introduce Heksie to a whole new generation of English and global readers."

Looking Ahead to the Big Screen

The release of Liewe Heksie en die Rotbende is the first chapter in Luma Animation’s broader multi-platform rollout for the IP. Luma’s production team is currently in active development on the full-length 3D animated feature film, utilizing world-class animation pipelines to translate the handmade charm of Blommeland into an international cinematic event.

Liewe Heksie en die Rotbende (Human & Rousseau), is available now at all major bookstores nationwide and online.