Book delves into Reiger Park’s colourful people, history
The book lays bare the heart-wrenching struggles and triumphs of South Africa’s tumultuous path to social justice from colonialism and apartheid to the restoration of the dignity and political emancipation of people of colour.
“Reading this book should help in our collective effort to move toward a new tomorrow. It will require forgiveness and hard work. Most of us had to endure the social and political uphills of the 60s and 70s.”
These were the words of Cecil Morden, co-author, editor and the driving force behind the book Reiger Park: Home to Many/’n Tuiste, at its launch on May 27 at the Ebenezer Church hall.
Reiger Park: Home to Many/’n Tuiste, written in English and Afrikaans, is an inspiring portrayal of a South African community’s journey from the early 1890s until the late 1990s, the dawn of democracy.
Morden said he was motivated to write the book because of the desire to tell a more balanced story about the history of the people who call Reiger Park home and to record some of his family’s history.
What inspired him?
“A publication by Professor Hein Willemse, called Hostel (Autobiographical Narrative of the 1975-1980 University of the Western Cape Student Generation), suggested to me that a publication of this nature should be possible and that with the assistance of my wife Marilyn, given her language expertise, such a project should be doable.”
At the launch, Willemse said the book was a way of keeping the memories alive.
“People forget their stories. People don’t tell their stories. And an important part about this is that people lose a part of their identity in the process.”
Judge Steven Majiedt, who sits on the Constitutional Court, was the guest speaker at the book launch. His message reflected the importance of people telling or recording their own stories not to be distorted by those who ruled in a specific period, resulting in the history books presenting a certain narrative beneficial to their rule.
The MC on the day was filmmaker, scriptwriter, actor and comedian Kevin Ehrenreich and his alter ego, ‘Gatiepie’.
Reiger Park: Home to Many/’n Tuiste is an important book for anyone interested in South Africa’s struggle for dignity and equality. It is a story of hope, determination, and resilience that will inspire readers to work for social justice and inclusivity in their communities.
Morden’s passion for the subject matter is evident in the pages of the book, which is a testament to his commitment, as well as those of the other (more than 20) contributors, to tell the stories of the people on the East Rand, from Benoni, Germiston, Alberton, and, more specifically, Reiger Park.
The book was compiled and edited by Morden and his wife, Marilyn, with the foreword by Judge Mahomed Navsa.
Abrile Doman was the publisher.
What to expect from the book, as per the authors:
• The book illustrates the lives of people on the East Rand from the early days of the gold mining towns in the area to the development of the industrial heartland of South Africa.
• It tells of how people tried to make sense of economic, social, and political forces and developments and find ways to preserve their dignity and improve their lives and livelihoods.
• The book speaks volumes about the strength of communities in overcoming hardship and rising above challenges.
• It is not the story of one community but many communities scattered throughout the country.
• It is an inspiring and uplifting book that reminds us of the importance of social justice, true reconciliation, forgiveness, redemption, social solidarity, economic emancipation, speaking truth to power, and holding our leaders accountable.
• It is a clarion call to action for all who care about the future of South Africa and its people.
• It also stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It further offers a unique perspective on the struggles of a South African community and the impact of discriminatory laws and deep-seated prejudices on their lives, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the country’s history and its future.
• Through its portrayal of the human toll exacted by an oppressive system, this book provides a profound understanding of the challenges faced by many South African communities and the enduring legacies of the past.
• It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of knowing our past so we might shape a better future.
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