An excavator operator from Motherwell celebrated the launch of his first book this week.
Yamkela Mankey, 28, launched Kanti Nam Ndingumtwanao'mntu (I am also somebody’s child) on Monday, three years after he started jotting down his thoughts to try to escape his impoverished environment.
He said he hoped the 286-page book, published by The Family Literary Trust, would serve as a source of inspiration for those in similar situations.
“This book focuses on two things, the first one being never give up as long as your soul is still attached to your body.
“The second thing is that you can change your tomorrow.”
The book follows protagonist Thandile, who is kidnapped but manages to escape five years later and recreate her life.
“Writing is important because it helps you to express your pain, even if you are not going to publish a book, but it can help you heal,” he said.
Mankey relocated to Gqeberha from Komani to study at Ncedo Secondary School in Motherwell, but he was forced to leave school and worked as a general worker in a retail store to support his family.
He thanked Nontuthuzelo Conjwa-Dia, 61, for helping him to publish his book after they met at a workshop he attended in Joe Slovo in August.
Conjwa-Dia, from the Family Literacy Trust, said that before publishing the trust first conducted coaching sessions and primarily focused on the youth and those who suffered from early childhood traumas.
“We give young people a platform to express themselves. Some rap while others act.
“Our offices are based in Mthatha and we service the entire province.
“I work with four schools in the Nyandeni municipality and four in Gqeberha — Motherwell High, Mdengetonga, BJ Mnyanda and Bhongweni Primary School.
“We work with these schools to promote youth engagement.
“We believe young people might be activated to want to do certain things, but without an adult to guide them it might be difficult, so this is part of our outreach programme,” Conjwa-Dia said.
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