Mayibuye author shares his first book
MAYIBUYE – Author Velly Malatji stresses the importance of education in one's life through his first book Mantlapolele.
Velly Sondy Malatji emphasises the importance of education in one’s life in his first book.
Malatji (50) is an author from Floyd Shivambu Park in Mayibuye whose love for writing was developed when he was in high school.
Malatji said he started writing poetry as a way of expressing himself ‘including folktales which are still in my notebooks, in my early childhood days’.
“Now, I self-published the booklet titled Mantlapolele, a Sepedi teen drama which is directed at the youth in school. The book emphasises the significance of education in one’s life and also highlights the importance of parents living a life their children can draw inspiration and motivation from.
“One of the inspirations behind my story is that of the problems of service delivery and poverty faced by people living in Vuwani Limpopo [the town where he was born]. “I figured that through this book, children would be able to see the importance of school because I want to help society and alleviate their lives. This is my outcry.”
He also spoke of the hardships he had to undergo in the process of bringing this book to life. “Because I began as a self-publishing author, lack of finance and resources was and is a still a big challenge. For instance, I am using a very basic tablet phone which won’t last long because it is overloaded with my work and personal stuff.
“I would appreciate it if someone can help me with a used computer or laptop and printer to further continue my work.”
Malatji said he was fortunate to meet a publisher who helped him publish his book. “I wrote to Edna Swanepoel asking her to publish my book. She agreed and helped me freely and I thank her for what she did because she has taken the load off my shoulders. I believe slowly but surely things are coming together.”
Malatji concluded that he appeals that all local bookshop and library’s to include his book in their collections.
Details: For more information, please contact Mecs Publishing’s Edna Cane Swanepoel on 072 961 5963 or
edna@mecspublishing.co.za.
