Local author inspires readers with new book

LAZARUS Malebana wanted to be the first person to find a cure for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but little did he know that he had a different calling.

The 53-year-old author grew up in the small town of Mokopane in Limpopo, an area with not so many opportunities, yet Malebana was able to make a name for himself.

The Brackenhurst resident is a father of three, an author and currently a full-time mathematics teacher at Maitjibulo Primary School in Katlehong.

He has been a teacher for 23 years and holds a Bachelor of Education honours degree.

His love for writing developed back in high school when he started writing short stories.

In 1987, he published his first novel, which paved the way for many other books to be published in his name.

Despite being excelling in technical subjects in high school, he set time aside from his busy schedule to write stories.

About the author

Being a teacher was the last thing on Malebana’s mind as his parents often insisted he either becomes a doctor or an engineer.

Instead, he followed his heart’s desire of one day becoming an author.

While teaching at numerous schools in townships such as Alexandra and Soweto he looked for greener pastures and opted for something different.

He became a writer, working for publishing companies that mainly promoted indigenous languages.

Throughout his writing career he wrote a few mathematics textbooks for primary schools.

He also wrote African literature books for learners from Grade Four to Grade 12.

Malebana spends most of his leisure time writing.

Accomplishments

Throughout his journey, Malebana has received numerous awards for his work.

He received an MNET book prize from Shuter & Shooter Publishers for his book titled Hlakoleng go a sepelwa. He also received an African literature award for Letlalo la motho, Ga le bapolelwe fase.

His books include Dinaka tsa go rweswa, Mending Tears, Menate ya lefase and Lentsu ke kota.

He also wrote Motseng wa Dimakatso, which earned him an African Languages Literary award.

Storytelling

In October 2018 he published Long Live The King’s Tail, an animal storybook which has been positively received by book lovers.

The fable consists of different stories and has been translated into nine languages.

His book was inspired by George Orwell’s Animal Farm, a book that combines animal fable with political satire.

Malebana said the book’s fables are connected into one long story. Through the book he wants to tell more African stories to youngsters.

“When I grew up, my grandmother would tell us a lot of fables and through the book I wanted to reflect on that.

“The fact that these fables are written in English does not water it down. The aim was to create an interest in reading African stories,” he said.

Moral of the story

The target market for the book is mainly children and the youth.

The book highlights power struggles, knowing oneself and knowing how to take the right decisions. Long Live The King’s Tail also aims to inspire readers and make them realise that every choice has its own consequence.

The book can be purchased from Nthabi Publishers. Those interested may contact Malebana on 082 962 2483.