Young Thembisa author releases a book

Author and Tshwane University of Technology student Ndazo Marule (21) has launched his first book, I Do Not Like It Here.

Born and raised in Thembisa, Marule was always passionate about reading and writing. He credits his early start to his first essay, which was featured in a book when he was just 19.

However, I Do Not Like It Here is his first serious project, a compilation of personal essays.

“I never imagined I’d be an author, but I was motivated to write, not to confront hate, ignorance and misinformation that keeps people in townships stagnant,” said Marule.

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The title is a reflective exploration of Marule’s travels and experiences with inequality. He emphasises how many in the black community contribute to their struggles through inaction, ignorance, self-hate and a lack of knowledge about their heritage.

While acknowledging systemic oppression, Marule calls for self-awareness, unity, education and deliberate action to break free from economic and psychological enslavement.

The book is a concise, 30-page work featuring an introduction and eight essays.

“When you get to varsity, you realise you are living in a Eurocentric world, and our history and perspectives as Africans are neglected or disregarded. The system is made to keep us divided,” Marule explained.

The book took two years to complete, but despite the challenges, including finding a publisher, Marule persevered.

“The essays were each written separately and compiled after I felt I had enough to work with. I had to do my own editing, get a designer for the cover, and attend author workshops to get the necessary publishing information,” he said.

He also had to read extensively to uncover history often omitted from the curriculum and research to find supporting evidence for his claims.

The most challenging part was securing a publisher, many of whom rejected the book or failed to respond, leading Marule to self-publish.

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He hopes his book will inspire readers to reclaim a collective sense of pride and unity in the black community and encourage establishing their own systems.

“I hope it sparks a flame to embrace African pride and eradicate injustices in our communities through active citizenship rather than blaming the government for all that goes wrong,” he said.

He has promoted his book through radio interviews on Tshwane FM and You FM, and it is available on his YouTube channel, Marule Ndzalo.

He also participated in the Constitution Hill Book Fair, taking his book to the streets during the Human Rights Festival.

“I wrote the book to start an important dialogue in our community to confront the issues that keep us disadvantaged,” Marule added.

He is also a writer for Sista Boss Company, contributing to their Born Positive stories of resilience.
Book lovers interested in reading I Do Not Like It Here can get it on Amazon or order from Marule on 082 394 7507.