Houghton resident Zameer Dada (17) was pleased to launch his first book, The Lion of Soweto and The Spelling Bee at the CineCentre at Killarney Mall on 27 February.
The Sacred Heart College Grade 12 learner was the inaugural African Spelling Bee Champion in 2016 and three-time winner of the Mzansi Spelling Bee.
The book launch was attended by 80 children and adults eager to learn more about the author and his motivation for writing the story.
The book tells the story of a young boy from the township who rises above his humble surroundings and overcomes challenges to eventually achieve success – winning the National Spelling Bee.
Zameer explained his motivation for writing the book saying, “I wanted to create an inspirational story of a character that is relatable to the majority of South Africa and who rises above challenges and through universal qualities of hard work, discipline and support, is able to achieve success. At the end of the day, I wanted to write a story that I hoped would encourage kids to read.”
Well-known media personality and author of Africa is Open for Business, Victor Kgomoeswana was the conversation facilitator for the evening. He facilitated a discussion with panellists Godwin Khosa, CEO of National Education Collaboration Trust and Ntsako Mkhabela, founder of Mzansi Spelling Bee, who stressed the importance of improving literacy and the positive impact this would have on education development.
All profits from book sales will be used to fund literacy projects. Zameer has partnered with the Solly and Zohra Noor Foundation who has already purchased over 100 books for distribution to underprivileged schools.
Details: Email kidsliteracyfoundation@gmail.com to place orders for the book. Books cost R230 each.
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