Critics inspire student to publish a book
Critics inspire student to publish a book
Novelist and Policing Btech Student: Mandla Makolane
Londiwe Dube
Mandla Makolane, who recently published his first romance novel An Early Confession, is a 22-year-old BTech student enrolled for Policing, who was raised in Limpopo.
“Writing wasn’t part of my dreams but I got to a point where by I would sit down and think of the ways I can use to express my feelings and emotions when I could not express in person but through writing; on how they can help people going through such emotions,” said Mr Makolane.
Having embarked on a career as a police officer, Mr Makolane had received many judgemental comments and criticism from people who would say things like: “You will always run after criminals and end up with peanuts in your account.” Instead of getting him down, however, those negative words inspired him to write.
During his journey of writing his novel, he faced further criticism. Peers made fun of him and asked him what a 22-year-old knows about love. However, he said: “If you believe in something that will help you grow as a person, never take criticism as a negative impact but as something that moulds you and keeps you focused.”
He said that his wish is for other young people to find themselves and make the right choices in life. He also said that he is grateful for his grandmother’s support.
“Everything happens for a reason in life, and as God’s creation your purpose of being on earth will soon prevail and whatever tribulations you are currently facing are just a passing phase.’’
One wonders what his critics are saying now.