Lukhele continues to inspire through his books
This book is a follow-up from his previous book, Through it all, which was about his rise and fall from glory.
Motivational speakers often say you shouldn’t let your negative circumstances define you.
This statement perfectly describes Katlehong-born Themba ‘Skeem GP’ Lukhele, a former inmate who has turned his life around and is using his life story to motivate the youth.
Themba launched his book, King Pin, and his documentary, Resurgence, at the Dumi Masilela Theatre in Germiston last Tuesday.
This book is a follow-up to his previous book, Through it all, which was about his rise and fall from glory.
This second book will be a continuation of his journey.
The concept of the book and documentary is to document the life and times of Themba as a young offender and how he overcame the hurdles he faced both in and out of prison.
“I felt writing the book and documenting my story will help with the unfortunate life of young imprisoned offenders and also create awareness of the wonderful work the Department of Correctional Services is doing to help with the rehabilitation of inmates,” said Themba.
He said he wants to motivate young people, especially those in the disadvantaged black community, that it’s possible to achieve your goals even if it seems impossible.
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“The world has a script for us all, but I chose to write my own, and tell my own story.
“I want to share my life experience, not because I want to make crime look cool, but because I want people to know that God is one of many chances,” said Themba.
He said in the book he uses scriptures because he wants to inspire people when they read the book.
Themba said it was important for him to tell his story because as a former inmate it is not easy to be integrated back into the community.
“I was not sure what to expect when I got out of prison because now the community sees you as a former inmate and the black sheep of the family.
“One thing I was ready for was rejection.
“I told myself I will use the experience and tell my story to help others not to fall into a life of crime,” said Themba.
He said the journey of being integrated back into the community is never easy because that is when you will see who your real friends are.
The GCN asked him how he handles negative comments about the life he lived before.
“I’m no saint and I’m not saying do crime, go to jail and write a book.
“I’m just creating awareness and making sure young people make informed decisions.
“I’m using my life because I’m living proof that it’s possible to change,” said Themba.
He said jail is no vacation place and people must not think it’s a nice place.
The GCN asked about his time in jail and how it has changed and influenced the man he is now.
“When I got to jail, I embraced prison because I had done the crime.
“I did not deny it because you find many inmates saying I did not do this crime.
“I accepted my reality and saw it fit to pen down my life experiences and live in the footsteps of the condemned,” said Themba.
In 2013, Lukhele was sentenced to seven years in prison for kidnapping, pretending to be a member of the police force and robbery.
He served his sentence at the Boksburg Correctional Centre.
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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist) busiv@caxton.co.za.
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