Self-publisher and author Dr Mukanda Mulemfo launched his children’s book, The Story of Thabo Mbeki at Ivory Park Secondary School.
The launch was part of the department of education’s campaign to promote reading among children. The launch was also attended by ANC stalwart Dr Essop Pahad and Johannesburg East district director Mnyamezeli Ndevu.
The 36-page book was previously published under the title Thabo Mbeki and the Children Volume 1. Principal of the school Edith Mamosebo said the school appreciated the opportunity to host the launch of the book. “It is high time that learners read about African history. I am one of the people who support the notion of making history compulsory in schools. This legacy must be protected,” she said.
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Pahad said it was important that the book was launched at a school and that the author had related his experience working with Mbeki during his tenure as president of South Africa. “Thabo Mbeki was a very intellectual leader. He wrote his own speeches as president. Just like any other child growing up in the valley, Thabo Mbeki had humbled beginnings but the one thing that made him stand out was his ambition and intellectual capacity,” said Pahad.
Mulemfo encouraged more Africans to write books. I am trying to create a platform for African writers to have their work published and to promote the culture of reading among children, especially African literature,” he said.
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