SEBOKENG. – Dan Leeto Taleng (26) from Sebokeng, has written a book that aims to inspire many in the community.
The book, which was penned in 2021 is called ‘The boy who had to carry an abnormal load’ and was encouraged wholly by his life. An orphan, Taleng’s parents died when he was very young and from 2012, he did not have family. That meant he had to go around the neighbourhood asking for any work to survive.
“Life was difficult and that’s when my anger and depression started. It felt like there was no support from family or friends. Suicide was on my mind at that time but then I realised that writing was my treatment.”
Taleng said that writing motivated him, not anger or sadness, but to get him back to where he wished he could be.
“In 2021, I wrote the journey of my life’s ups and downs.”
He further said that this book will encourage young people who are going through the difficulties of losing both parents, being alone with little support, and trying to survive every day.
“This will show them that they don’t have to give up in life. I challenge young readers to take their lives seriously and prevent their minds from being polluted by negative thoughts. Let Africa be free from the metaphor of the boy who had to take an abnormal load.”