Glenvista author’s second book takes readers on an uplifting journey

Now a published author, Lethabo Maleka (69) is using her voice to inspire others, particularly young people, to rise above their circumstances and pursue their dreams.

Born in Ga-Masemola, a village in Limpopo’s Sekhukhune District, she grew up in a modest rural environment before her family relocated to Ga-Maraba, also known as Kalkspruit.

From a young age, writing became a quiet but significant part of her life. As a child, she wrote letters to her father, who worked in Johannesburg as a migrant labourer.

Later, she exchanged heartfelt letters with her boyfriend, now her husband, who often complimented her writing.
“I never imagined I would one day write books,” Maleka recalls.

“Growing up, we didn’t have many role models in writing, so I never thought of it as a possibility.”

Determined pursuit of education

In her early twenties, Maleka moved to Johannesburg in search of employment.

With no matric qualification, she took on domestic work in Greenside while living with her father and sister in a tiny 2m ×2m servant’s quarters in Houghton Estate.

Her father worked as a chauffeur for a wealthy doctor, which allowed them to stay in the area.

Determined to further her education, Maleka pursued her matric through the Joint Matriculation Board, studying via correspondence at Turret Correspondence College.

The process took longer than usual, as she could only afford to register for two subjects at a time, but she completed it in 1986.

“I was working full-time while studying, and it was not easy,” she says.

“I knew that education was my key to a better life.”

Later, she received a full scholarship that enabled her to enrol at Wits University as a mature student at 32.

She completed undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, focusing on public administration and development, with a specialisation in public policy.

She later pursued a master’s degree at the University of Johannesburg.

From public service to writing

Maleka’s professional career began in 1996 when the Gauteng Department of Development Planning and Local Government employed her as a researcher.

A year later, she secured a promotion to the Gauteng premier’s office, where she worked as an assistant secretariat to the executive council (EXCO).

She later joined the Gauteng Liquor Board Secretariat, where she remained until her retirement in 2017.
During her career, Maleka became known for her strong writing skills.

One of her early articles, published in a government newsletter, sparked discussions among colleagues. The article criticised senior management’s absence at a memorial service for a junior staff member.

The response to her writing reaffirmed her ability to express complex issues in a compelling and thought-provoking manner.

“That was the first time I realised my words had power,” explains Maleka. “People paid attention. They listened and made me think I have something important to say.”

A late bloomer in publishing

Despite years of recognition for her writing abilities, becoming a published author only took shape much later.

Encouraged by her husband, Maleka began writing her autobiography, Rising Like Dust: Story of a Rural Girl Who Kept Rising and Rising,but midway through, she felt drawn to another topic.

This new project, which she eventually titled Smashing Patriarchy: A Testament Why Women Must Rise Up against Gender-based Violence, became her first published work.

Initially written as a single manuscript, the book was so extensive it was divided into an eight-volume series.

Released in July 2024 and launched the following month, the series made a significant impact.

“Gender-based violence is a crisis. I could not stay silent. I felt an obligation to contribute to the fight against it.”
Following the success of her first book, Maleka revisited her autobiography and completed it.

The book, which details her journey of resilience, education, and overcoming adversity, was released in November 2024 and will be officially launched on March 29.

A story of overcoming challenges

Maleka’s autobiography delves deep into her life experiences, from her childhood and education to her professional journey.

Some of the key themes include:

• Life with her matrimonial and patrimonial family

• Life after school going age

• University life as a mature student

• Working in the public sector.

One of the most challenging aspects of writing her book was reliving her experiences as a whistle-blower in the public sector.

She describes this period as particularly painful but necessary to document.

Writing process and advice for aspiring authors

Unlike traditional authors who precisely outline their stories, Maleka’s approach to writing is spontaneous.
She constantly jots down thoughts and later refines them into structured narratives.

She emphasises the importance of patience, focus, and having a trusted reader to provide feedback before submitting a manuscript to a professional editor.

Her advice to aspiring writers is simple but powerful: “Never procrastinate. Write down everything that comes to mind and keep going until it makes sense.

“Read widely, research thoroughly and always have a soundboard – someone who can give you honest feedback before your work gets published.”

The power of resilience and self-discovery

Maleka’s story is not just about writing; it is about overcoming obstacles and finding one’s purpose.

Her books, particularly her autobiography, serve as an inspiration to readers of all ages, especially young people who may feel discouraged by their circumstances.

She hopes that through her writing, she can impart valuable life lessons and encourage others to never give up on their dreams.

With two more books in the pipeline, Maleka is far from done. Her journey continues, and so does the mission to educate, empower, and inspire.