Daveyton educators celebrate township’s unsung heroes in book

Educating the youth about the history of Daveyton heroes led Arnold Letwaba and Matedi Mothibe to publish their first book, Amaqhawe Ase Daveyton (Daveyton heroes).

Arnold is the principal of Phakamani Secondary School in Etwatwa and Matedi is a teacher at Mabuya Secondary School in Daveyton.

The book will be launched on February 29 at Marivate Hall, Daveyton, from 1.30pm.

The two friends said they wrote the book to share the stories of the Daveyton residents who have played a vital role in the development of education, arts and politics in the area.

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Matedi said the book aims to educate the youth of Daveyton about the people who have made a positive contribution to the township.

“We don’t want the young generation to ask who are the people the halls and streets are named after,” said Matedi.

“Daveyton has produced personalities whose history remains unknown; however, the histories of townships such as Soweto, Mamelodi, Alexandra and Mangaung etc. have been recorded. Hence, we saw the gap and the need to share their stories.”

Arnold said these unsung heroes brought hope in hopelessness, light during darkness and became canaries amid fear.

“No matter how minute their contribution to this sprawling township may be, when their names have been called they unselfishly raised their hands and heeded the call to be at service to their country,” said Arnold.

Matedi said the book took them four years to complete as they had to conduct research, verify their facts and juggle it all with their daily jobs.

“The families of the stalwarts were welcoming and they appreciated the idea of the book,” he said.

“The money that will be raised through the book will be used to build a heritage site in Daveyton.”

He said they want to open a heritage site so the youth can learn about the history of their township and pass it on to their grandchildren.

“We are looking for donors who can support this initiative and help us make it possible,” said Matedi.

When asked what they love about their township, Matedi said they love its uniqueness and the lifestyle that the Daveyton residents understand.

The duo said they are grateful to Dr Hajira Mashego, who edited their manuscripts, and their friend Kabeli Lichaba, who contributed by providing ideas and subjects to the research.

“We also thank our families for their patience,” they said.

Matedi added that they are working on their second book that will share the stories of the Daveyton heroines.

To order the book, send an email to veheritagesite146@gmail.com. To find out more about the heritage site contact Lerato on 079 419 6112.