Former Etwatwa principal publishes first book

The former principal of George Mbilase Primary School, Joseph Nhleko, recently published his first book The Invasion of the Lesotho Stronghold to share a bit of history on the political uprising in the kingdom of Lesotho.

The book is a drama genre formed in indigenous and modern isiZulu prose.

The 73-year-old was a principal at the school for 21 years and he retired in 2012.

He became wheelchair-bound in 1989 after he was shot on the upper body during a robbery outside his house.

But that didn’t stop him from achieving his dream of publishing a book and continuing to fulfil his passion for teaching.

He explained that he first wrote the book in isiZulu and with the help of his friend Leslie Mutshekwane they translated the book into English to make it accessible to a wider audience.

It took Nhleko three years to complete the book and eight months to translate it.

“I thank him for his enthusiasm to assist me and my wife, Elizabeth, for serving us breakfast and lunch while translating the book and for her advice on the Sesotho culture,” said Nhleko.

“The book introduces something unique and original, the lingua-franca of the urban society townships of Soweto and the rest of the country.”

He added that the book attempts to divulge the strengths and weaknesses of the government’s attempt to retain the abuse of power.

The Daveyton resident said he would appreciate it if the Department of Education could have his book as one of the novels read in local high schools.

“The book is very informative and has a lot of information that learners can benefit from, especially those who are doing history.

“Reading is very important for the young and old because it helps to improve your vocabulary and it develops the mind and this book is very easy to read,” he said.

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The isiZulu version of the book will be published later in the year and the retired principal is writing his autobiography.

His wife jokingly said once Nhleko gets hold of a pen and paper he doesn’t want to let go.

Nhleko holds a BA honours in African languages and a Master’s in public administration from the University of Pretoria.

The book is dedicated to his four children and grandchildren.

To get a copy of the book, email Nhleko at joseph.nhleko@gmail.com

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