Determined author from eMbalenhle defies disability to write inspiring tales

Lucas Sekwakwa, a 67-year-old author from eMbalenhle who now lives in Limpopo, proves that the human spirit and brain cannot be broken by tragedy.

Despite a devastating car crash in 1996 that left him with quadriplegia, Sekwakwa has channelled his resilience into literature, writing multiple books that encourage both young and old to shun crime, drugs, and corruption.

Reflecting on his journey, Sekwakwa describes his post-accident state as “a shadow of a former self.” However, he refused to let his condition define him or be exploited.

“I was never allowed to be used. I even refused to be the face of a certain tender procurement company,” he said. Instead of seeking handouts, he turned to faith and intense physiotherapy.

“My condition improved in such a way that a pen became my friend,” said Sekwakwa.

Sekwakwa’s writing journey began in earnest in 2014 when he published his first Sepedi drama book, Kgomo Tseso, a fascinating tale about a community priest who steals from his own congregation.

He followed this in 2015 with an English drama titled Abomination in Secunda, a story about an older adult who divorces his wife for a girl young enough to be his daughter, only for the marriage to collapse at a roadblock on the day of the dowry payment.

Like many authors, Sekwakwa faced severe setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. His book Defying the Law of Nature Detrimental was published by Rowan Vale Books in Wales, UK, on April 20, 2020—just weeks after South Africa entered a total lockdown.

“My book was caught inside the total shutdown, and it did dismally on the market as I sold three copies globally,” he recalled.

Undeterred, Sekwakwa took a brief hiatus and has now returned with a powerful collection of four new drama books—three in Sepedi and one in English: Abominations in Pudiakgopa (English): A story mirroring South Africa’s culture of impunity, reflecting irresponsible living and a lack of astute leadership.

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Kgomo Tseso Edition (Sepedi) offers an updated look at religious hypocrisy, detailing a priest involved in stock theft whom his followers still adore.

“This reminds me of the most corrupt politicians who are the darlings of the voters,” Sekwakwa noted.

Ke Pyempyete (Sepedi) is an uplifting tale of a respectful, God-fearing boy who resists peer pressure. After rescuing a baby a young girl throws into a river, the traditional council tasks Pyempyete with raising the child, making him a beacon of hope for his village.

Sekatapowana, which means “nightmare” in Sepedi, is a dark drama that follows a 15-year-old girl named Thembi, who has a midday vision of her mother’s promiscuous lifestyle destroying her family, culminating in her father’s brutal murder by her mother’s secret lover. Anyone interested in his books can contact Sekwakwa on 082 605 1682.