Mamelodi author Aubrey Mogase (57) has unveiled his new book Mamelodi: A Story Volume 1. He said the second volume in the series will follow soon.

His inaugural book was titled Mamelodi: Reflections of a Lifetime, and he has written four other books since then.

“I write because I have something to say,” said Aubrey.

Aubrey feels strongly that ‘the past is an ever-present memory’ where stories need to be told, and that he fears that if we don’t tell our stories, they will ultimately die.

Mamelodi: A Story Volume 1 takes readers down the road to where Mamelodi comes from.

“The book is set in a timeline, in the formative years leading to the township growth and development,” said Aubrey.

He said he tried to capture the lives of the area’s first inhabitants in the early years, particularly the story of Mzilikazi’s inhalation of the Ndebele around 1825.

The book also tells the story of the Anglo-Boer War, which changed political life in South Africa, and he said it is also vital to note the history of Bantu Education from its inception and the role this policy played in township life.

The book highlights early township governance and political structures, and how forced removals under Apartheid form part of the integral history of many townships.

He added that the book is a must-have for anyone who wants to know where the township of Mamelodi came from and how it evolved into what it is today.

“People should know; this is their story and their heritage,” he said.

The other books he wrote are Mamelodi: Reflections of a lifetime; Evasive state: How South Africa was shaped; The Immortal Kalamazoo Mokone; Africa’s Witchcraft Conundrum: Alzheimer’s Aubrey stresses.

“Every excuse [you give] today is a debt you’ll pay tomorrow,” said Mogase.

Anyone who wishes to buy this book can contact the author on 082 084 5459.

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