Consistent reading of books, journals and newspapers enables one to cultivate a sharp analytical acumen. People who read regularly are more likely to develop a highly advanced mental precision. An advanced mental precision enables a person to demistify complexities and simplify riddles. There is a strong dialectical correlation between regular reading and cognitive/intellectual enrichment.
Countries that boast higher levels of reading among their citizens are highly advanced in authorship, research and academia. The world’s most advanced economies (US, Japan, China, Germany, Canada and Britain) boast higher levels of reading among their citizens. Unfortunately in South Africa, the picture is ruefully bleak and gloomy. A study by the South African Book Development Council reveals that only 8% of South Africans read books regularly. It is also estimated that just under 11% of Limpopo residents are regular readers of books.
Africa’s underdevelopment is aggravated, to a certain extent, by lower continental investment in reading, authorship and research.
I’m impressed to learn that Limpopo-based author, Sello Lediga has just written and published a new book. With alluring inquisition and riveting captivation, the book is titled, Tenders and The Fall of Limpopo.
In retrospective narration, the book chronicles former Limpopo premier Cassel Mathale’s notorious fall from grace. It explains the systemic failures, gross incompetence and the unbridled notoriety of the erstwhile Mathale administration.
On page eight of the book, Lediga illustrates: “the fall of Limpopo [in 2011] was the result of rampant corruption, endemic maladministration and monumental incompetence. It is a case study of how a political elite won internal party elections, captured state power, [created] … a parasitic business clique, and [squandered] money so recklessly that the provincial government finally collapsed”.
I have read many books on political leadership and administrative governance, but have never encountered a grossly incompetent leader as Mathale. He is, by any measurable standards, the most dysfunctional and failed premier in the history of our democratic trajectory.
Lediga’s precise articulation of events and incidents captures the inquisitive and mesmerised mind of the reader. Once you begin perusing that book, you surely won’t cease reading until you arrive at the last page.
In the book, Lediga enthuses readers with a sense of humour when he says: “those who know Cassel Mathale intimately will tell you that he loves food. They will also tell you that he has an eccentric eating mannerism in that, … he has the unusual habit of using both hands when eating. Since most black people prefer to eat collectively… then sharing a meal with Mathale… can be a perilous experience. The result is that by the time the food is finished, Mathale has probably eaten twice as much as the other person…”
Lediga’s book is a crude reminder of the tumultuous and extremely rocky road through which Limpopo has travelled.
Premier Stanley Mathabatha and national administrator, Monde Tom have executed an excellent job in repairing the massive damage caused by Mathale and his cronies.
On page 84 of Lediga’s masterpiece, there is a picture of Congress of South African Students (Cosas) protesters carrying varied placards. One of the eye-catching placards carries a handwritten message which says: “MATHALE IS A THIEF”.
Elvis Masoga
Political analyst
