JUSTICE Makhado (48) from Walkerville has launched his first book called 365 Days in the African Jungle, which consists of 365 stories for children and adults. This is to highlight the plight that endangered animals – and all animals – face as a result of trophy hunting, poaching and killing out of superstition.
The husband and father of five was born and raised in Soweto and has been a resident of the South for over 10 years. He completed his law studies at the University of Johannesburg and now – on the opposite side of the coin – he owns his own clothing boutique called Nozice Boutique on 84 Main Road in Walkerville and specialises in organisational development and change management.
Finding inspiration
Justice was challenged and pushed to write his book by his youngest of five children, Ofunwa who is eight years old. He wrote the book for her after she wanted Justice to write his own stories for her.
It took him about two years to research, write and publish his book which is written in the first person. His aim is to reach young children who can help protect wildlife. It is compiled so the reader can see the dangers animals face daily, dispel the myths about animals and create awareness to eliminate wildlife extinction. Justice gives animals a voice so people can hear their plea to help preserve them.
“People think they know animals but this book can actually teach people a lot. Although it only features 365 animals, by the end of the year I will release a second part and in 2019 a third part because there are so many animals that need exposure. I do plan on taking it out of South Africa and involving the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Johannesburg Zoo, the national parks, the botanical gardens and primary and high schools,” said the author.
Around the world
Justice also plans on tackling 365 Days in the World Jungle where he will focus on animals around the world. With a passion for reading and writing, Justice plans on training children to love animals so they can stop the poaching cycle and fight back once they are grown.
“With my change management background I realised that change is imminent and although we have many anti-poaching campaigns, it does not stop the problem. It will always be difficult for poachers to stop poaching. We can keep policing them but it won’t help. We have to deal with why they become poachers,” advised Justice.
Everyone loves animals
Justice spoke of how he aims to break stereotypes that black people don’t love animals.
“All people love animals and we care about poaching too. I want to help to do something about preserving animals and I want people of all races to see the importance of this and take animals seriously,” he said.
The book 365 Days in the African Jungle is available for sale at Nozice Boutique on 84 Main Road in Walkerville for only R300 and will be available for sale on Amazon by the end of February 2018. You can contact Justice on 081 335 6659 or email tshimangadzo26@gmail.com, Justice is also available to do presentations on his book at primary and high schools.
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Mulbarton resident launches first book
Local lady launches three books
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