TALL, down-to-earth and wearing a coy smile, Zakhele Mthabela has a fire burning so strong inside him, it shines through his eyes.
The passionate writer of Ndlangubo, who finds inspiration in the success of others, has now completed his first book.
Goal-orientated and focussed on excelling, Zakhele is fascinated by books and business. Raised by his parents in a middle-class Christian home, the intriguing 26-year-old holds a Bachelors Degree in Science.
Zakhele, who has been writing since he was a little boy, said it was at university that he realised his true calling.
‘I had always been writing ever since I was a young boy, I just never understood what I was doing. It was at university when I grew to appreciate the craft of writing,’ he said.
‘My much-loved authors are Paulo Coelho, Robin Sharma, Jodi Picoult and South African biographer Gayton McKenzie,’
‘Some of my all-time favourite books have been ‘The Alchemist’, ‘The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari’ and I enjoyed the ‘Hustler’s Bible’,’ said Zakhele.
Writing is a form of therapy and words a schedule seven drug for Zakhele who finds his refuge in literature.
‘I take pleasure in writing fictional books with an angle of spirituality, self-improvement and personal growth. Basically, putting the word out there, but not telling readers how to live their lives,’ he said.
‘People who are afraid of going after their dreams irk me just as much as I hate being told what to do and being put in a box. I hate being expected to behave in a certain way for the pleasure or approval of others.
‘It is so important to be your own person. Express yourself. Free your mind,’ he said.
Having great plans of becoming the next bestselling South African author, Zakhele’s recent book explores the journey of a young Zulu man who endeavours to rise above his everyday mediocre existence through experiencing ‘The Trance’ which ironically is the title of his book.
If he is not buying, reading or writing books, Zakhele enjoys the company of other writers and interesting people.
‘Spending time sharing ideas with knowledgeable people helps me learn and grow in areas I have no life experience in. The greatest thing, is to learn from others,’
‘And also, despite my demure surface, many don’t know that I am actually funny. Seriously, I’m really funny,’ he said.
Zakhele also runs a website that buys and sells books, www.zakhelebooks.co.za
