Text: Sbu Mpungose. Pictures: Isaac Mofokeng. Article from the January 2014 issue of Bona Magazine.
Books take centre stage as well-known South Africans share their favourite reads, and why books are important to them.
Mdu Gumede is a television actor and plays the role of Ntandane on Isibaya. We catch him on set reading a motivational book.
I’m currently reading Let It Go by TD Jakes.
I love this book because it centres on the theme of forgiveness – something we as human beings have the ability to give and accept, but often struggle with. This book has taught me to stop obsessing about my past and embrace my destiny.
My earliest experience of reading was in primary school, where I got my hands on a book for the first time. My teachers at Lindelihle Primary and Chesterville Primary in Kwazulu-Natal encouraged us to read, and we often had to read out loud to classmates. I read books such as Benny and Betty and Afrikaans poems.
In my teens I didn’t read many books, but I loved magazines because I found them to be interesting. The content really spoke to me as a young man. I bought magazines such as BONA, and Men’s Health (I was really into fitness and exercising).
My current relationship with books… should make more time for reading, but I haven’t lately. My favourite genre is motivational books because they challenge my thinking and inspire me to be my best.
Reading is extremely important in the line of work I do, because I tend to read loads of scripts. Reading from a young age gave me the discipline required to be an actor. I would encourage young people, who want to be actors, to read early on in life.
Refiloe Mpakanyane, news anchor at Metro FM and eNews Channel Africa (eNCA), enjoys spending time at Exclusive Books at Mandela Square in Sandton, north of Johannesburg.
My favourite book is Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger.
The book is about teenager, Holden Caulfield who we meet at a difficult period of his life – he questions authority and conservative structures in his world. Basically, he tries to find himself and find some truth and meaning in adulthood and life as a teenager. The book is not necessarily written for a young reader, but it eventually becomes an inspiration for young, disgruntled people.
The book’s impact is it allowed me to question the world around me, while I tried to find my place, even with its confusing and conflicting messages.
Books are amazing refuge and a source of entertainment and knowledge in my daily life. Most importantly is that they are a great conduit (channel) for experiencing the texture of others’ lives and stories.
My relationship with books is beyond the personal rewards I get from reading; I also do a great deal of charity work around reading. Being a National Book Week ambassador has put me in touch with under-resourced schools and libraries. Moving on from this year’s very successful book drive for Ephes Mamkeli Secondary School in the East Rand, I’m structuring a reading programme for the school we will be assisting next year. I’m also involved in literacy advocacy work, which involves speaking at various conferences. It’s incredibly inspiring to meet like-minded people who work at the coalface (front position) of advancing reading. But, there is still an enormous amount of work we need to do as a country. It’s a daunting task, but we have youth and energy on our side, so it’s not impossible.
Amstel Maboa, singer and former 3SUM band member is reading “a book outside my comfort zone” at the Plush Beauty Lounge in Lonehill, Johannesburg.
I’m currently reading, An Inconvenient Youth by Fiona Forde.
This book covers politics and current affairs – not something I particularly care for. It’s about the ANC and Julius Malema. There’s a lot that gets written about well-known people in Mzansi (including myself) so I guess I wanted to get the “gossip” that often comes from reading a book. I’m a very slow reader – that’s the truth! I take ages to get into a book; I struggle to concentrate and as a result I don’t read a lot. But now and then I do read magazines, newspapers and some books, because I realise it’s important.
I know that reading is not for everyone — some people have learning disabilities and aren’t able to read, while others can’t afford books or access them, which is the case in some rural and township schools. But, I believe that everyone should at least read a couple of books in their lifetime, as it exposes you to different experiences. Generally, people who are well-read are smart, and who doesn’t want to be smart.
My favourite place to read is at home as there is very little distraction. But, I also love being in a beautiful environment such as this salon… I find it quite relaxing and I can sneak in a pedicure!
With special thanks to:
Exclusive Books, Mandela Square, Sandton, Johannesburg. For all your reading and stationery needs call 011 784 5416 or visit www.excluslves.co.za. Plush Beauty Lounge, Lonehill, Johannesburg. For all your pampering needs from hair to body treatments call 011 465 1553.
