RUST-TER-VAAL. – Ronnie Eric van der Merwe, a former resident of Rust-Ter-Vaal, will launch his book From the inside out at the Rust-Ter-Vaal Library on September 6.

From the inside out is Van der Merwe’s second book, which he promises will be more revealing and entertaining than his first – his memoir Over the Rainbow.

Van der Merwe is a professional nurse at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster about the launch, Van der Merwe could not hide his delight, mentioning that the autobiography is an honest look at his life, where he delves into the most sacred spaces of his soul and leaves no stone unturned, including his sexuality, HIV/AIDS, Covid, and adoption.

Van der Merwe is proudly gay, and a single parent to a 10-year-old girl.

During the launch, there will be a reading from the book, a question-and-answer session, and book orders, together with signing.

“There is no shame but only gratitude as I highlight my mistakes and triumphs. I proudly stand up for my faith and beliefs. In doing so, I hope that my book will inspire readers to fight for their beliefs too,”  Van der Merwe said.

“I have learned how to turn my wounds into wisdom, and I want to share that with my readers. Our secrets make us sick.”