Gregory reaches turning point at launch
It was an emotional and empowering morning for Gregory Zondi as he launched his book to the world.
CROWDS of Upper Highway residents gathered last week at the Hillcrest Hospital to celebrate the launch of Sibusiso Gregory Zondi’s book, Turning Point.
In January 1995, at the age of 27, Gregory was involved in a terrible accident. It left him paralysed from the neck down, put an end to a promising career and entirely altered the course of his life.
Despite his tragic circumstance, Gregory’s spirit refused to be beaten. He rose to the challenge his disability presented, with immense courage and empathy, while vowing to take nothing for granted.
Gregory originally wrote Turning Point with the help of a voice recorder, but last year, through the 31 Club, a local NPO, he met local author and Hillcrest resident, Melissa Delport, who undertook the book’s production.
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Sponsors were rallied, including Apple Pie Graphics for the cover design, Lara Weeks Photography for the cover photograph, and Durban author and editor, Ian Tennent, who edited the raw manuscript.
Melissa herself donated the cost of the book’s printing, and the 31 Club kindly donated the catering for the launch.
“Gregory is a long-term patient at the hospital and an inspiration, not only to his fellow patients, but for disabled people everywhere. Turning Point, documents his remarkable journey. His honest and awe-inspiring story reminds us just how magnificent and beautiful the human spirit can be, a fact that was echoed in the speech he delivered at the launch,” said Melissa.
If you missed the launch and would like to buy the book, copies are available at the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) at 17 Hamilton Crescent, Clifton Park, Gillitts. Contact 031 767 0352.
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