Katlehong author pens first Afrikaans book

A former teacher and author, Bethuel Matabole, published his latest offering titled In Die Gemeenskap, his first-ever book written in Afrikaans.

Matabole said the book is a summary of the two most basic commandments that summarise the Ten Commandments, with a focus on love: the love of God and brotherhood and sisterhood.

“In this book, I reiterate what was previously taught by many saints since creation. The book gives a brief exemplary life of the faithful who maintained integrity and godliness in hard times like the ones we are living in,” said Matabole.

“Although times and circumstances can seem very overbearing, we can still achieve justice for all, abundant love, harmony and respect among us and live in unity,” he said.

He said In Die Gemeenskap promotes multilingualism, emphasising that people become better by knowing more than just their mother tongue.

“We are trying to bring unity in diversity and do as much as we possibly can to move away from many previously held stereotypes that formed the basis of segregation and divisions among many racial groups of our country.”
How is the book different from the previous books?

“I started by bringing my readers to the understanding of my name and my background, using Isaac who, in the Holy Bible, was the son-in-law of Bethuel,” Matabole explained.

“Then building on that inheritance, I brought the name of my grandfather, Bethuel, my namesake.

“Not much is preached about Isaac, but his unique successful life in the foreign land of Philistine,” he concluded.
He started writing the book early this year after he finished and published his previous book titled Our Soccer in May.

The book was officially published in July. It is now available to purchase at R150.

To get a copy, contact Matabole on 073 886 9182.