Bloemfontein author Mohale Matsuma (53) is set to release the “quick to read”, educational Responsible Citizenship and Patriotism this April.
Matsuma says he wanted the title to carry the weight of the message the book seeks to disseminate and promote.
“The desire to contribute towards the national dialogue on social cohesion, responsible citizenship and patriotism inspired me to write,” he said.
The author says he would like to add a voice in mitigating abuse against vulnerable members of the society, particularly women and children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
“Having observed the trashing and vandalism of national assets, especially during protest actions, I would like to encourage fellow countrymen to desist from such actions.
“I also noted that there are not many writings on responsible citizenship and patriotism.”
The book has two versions; the first version is targeted at intermediary phase readers and the second version targets transitional phase and adult readers.
“It is conceptualised as a quick read educational book,” the Human Capital Solutions entrepreneur and consultant says.
Coming from humble beginnings in Qwaqwa, a rural part of the Eastern Free State that is a former bantustan for the Basotho, Matsuma says his foundation phase education commenced in that area.
“The activist in me was born when I was progressing towards my senior certificate at the Lekgulo Senior Secondary School,” says the former teacher, who adds that upon completing his senior phase education, he worked as an educator at the same school where he had completed the senior certificate, for about a year.
“I aspired to become a lawyer, but due to financial constraints, I had to pursue nursing.”
Not all was lost, as this was a stepping-stone towards his second ambition: studies in people management.
He has completed multiple qualifications, including honours degrees in Industrial and Organisational Psychology and Industrial Relations from the University of Free State (UFS) and Stellenbosch University (SU) respectively.
Matsuma says he hopes to contribute towards the building of a united society that shares a common destiny of people who are diverse, yet live in harmony.
The author says he is also writing a memoir, which will be completed early next year.
For more information, contact the publisher by sending email to media@sunbonani.co.za.
