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Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha launched his latest book, Nna Ke Monna at the UFS

24 July 2023 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo André Damons

Award-winning actor and now author, Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, launched his second book Nna Ke Monna at an event hosted by the University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Library and Information Services (LIS), the African Languages Press, and the Academy for Multilingualism.

The event took place on 19 July on the Bloemfontein Campus.

The book launch was held as part of a creative writing masterclass and drew notable attendees, including dignitaries from Lesotho. Among them was the Honourable Minister of Trade and Industry in Lesotho, Shelile Motaung, and the British High Commissioner in Lesotho, Harry MacDonald.

Earlier last week, Jeannet Molopyane, Director of LIS, and her team handed a copy of the book to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Francis Petersen.

Writing in Sesotho

Out of a collection of more than 200 000 books, only 16 000 are written in Sesotho. Dr Mofokeng wa Makhetha highlighted that the UFS should take a leading role in promoting the publication of African languages.

Addressing the importance of decolonising education, he asked, ‘how do you do that? “We need to go back to our language and our culture. This is what this book seeks to correct and heal,” he answered.

Unlike his first book, I am a man, where he delved into his intricate relationship with masculinity, fatherhood, and identity, this new book is written in Sesotho, not English.

I do not want anybody reading this latest book to sit with a dictionary to understand it. It was written for the Basotho pallet, to be read by all members of the family.

“As a Sesotho, I have the authority to talk to the Basotho and I don’t want to do that in a manner that anyone must interpret what I am saying.”

He went on to explain that he chose to write this book in Sesotho, because – with the first book – he found that there are thoughts that are difficult to express in English. The English book was a compromise in many ways, and with this book he wanted to reclaim his authentic voice and really have fun.

MacDonald also contributed to the language discussion, saying that the way in which we express ourselves is coloured by our language. He said being able to work in one's own language, such as this book, is a crucial aspect of reflecting one's culture and facilitates faster learning during childhood.

Molopyane, regarded the event as an opportunity to restore the dignity of our languages. Building upon Molopyane's statement, Kego Phuthi, Marketing and Engaged Scholarship Assistant Director in LIS, added that the book launch is reflecting on the significance of literature as a catalyst of change. “The book is an extraordinary work that can change stereotypes and give voice to the voiceless.”

Healing masculinity

In addition to addressing language, the book also emphasised the significance of manhood and the process of healing masculinity. “We are here to raise responsible men with integrity, not big boys,” Dr Mofokeng wa Makhetha said.

According to Nthabiseng Jafta, the publicist of Nna Ke Monna, this book was released one year after Dr Mofokeng wa Makhetha’s first book and coincided with the launch of the African Languages Press.

“During the process of working on the second book, Dr Mofokeng wa Makhetha guided me to reconnect with myself,” said Jafta. She also expressed pride in contributing to the potential impact of Sesotho literature in the nation.

In his address, the Honourable Minister Motaung shared the same sentiment, encouraging Dr Mofokeng wa Makhetha to continue publishing books that uplift the Basotho community.

The award-winning South African actor, who appeared in the films Cry, the Beloved Country, Mandela and De Klerk, and Tsotsi, received an honorary doctorate from the UFS in 2019 for his commitment to scholarship and his service to humanity.

News Archive

Kovsie student and reigning Miss Lesotho en route to Miss World 2015

2015-11-03

Relebohile Kobeli - the beauty queen of Lesotho

Relebohile Kobeli was crowned Miss Lesotho 2015 earlier this year, and is now en route to Miss World International 2015 in China to represent the mountainous Kingdom. The beauty pageant, which takes place between November and December, will see contestants from over 150 countries contending for the title.

The nineteen-year-old second-year Geography and Environmental Management student at the University of the Free State (UFS) also won Miss Lesotho in 2014. She holds other titles, such as Miss Outeniqua 2014, and First Princess Face of Lesotho 2013.

What would it mean to be the first from Lesotho to sit on the Miss World throne?

I believe that it would be a turning point for pageantry in Lesotho. We are one of the few countries that do not fully recognise pageants, and the value they add to the tourism industry. Winning the throne would be putting into practice the theory that we, as beauty queens in Lesotho, always practice what we preach.

Since beginning this Miss World contest, in what way have you reached out to your community through the Beauty with a Purpose project?

My Beauty with a Purpose project focuses mainly on introducing and helping start up sustainable projects in communities. I wanted to move away from giving people donations to giving them the skills to ensure their long-term livelihood.

What skill sets do you possess that are essential to succeeding as an international first queen?

I am a very creative individual who thinks on her feet. That is important for me because, when you are far away from home, should things go wrong, there's no room for panic. I am sociable and human-centered, I relate to different people, regardless of cultural differences, and, as an international queen, it is important to be appreciative of others’ way of life, regardless of how different it is are from your own.

Rolene Strauss, the current Miss World, stated her ambition to capitalise on promoting forgiveness, hope, and unity during her tenure. What are you hoping to achieve, given the chance as her successor?

I would definitely speak about self-reliance among young women and the youth at large. I come from a country where not everyone is lucky enough to get a job. In such cases, young men and women fall into crime, young women become victims of sexual abuse or prostitution, and, although one may argue that that is self-reliance, is it sustainable? Is it not escaping one fire to jump into another? It is important for me to represent every girl who has ever had a dream. I am spreading the message of possibilities when the world is yelling "Impossible!"

What has been the highlight of your term as Miss Lesotho?

My greatest highlight was finding myself through service to others. I discovered that the more I invest in myself, the more of me I can give and share.

The Miss Lesotho 2016 competition is around the corner, what words of wisdom would you like to share with hopefuls?

Pageantry is not all about pretty dresses and tiaras. It is hard work. Always be humble, and remember that, whatever the outcome, it is your life's journey. You are destined for greatness. Don't deny yourself that privilege.

In your experience, what is the Kovsie feeling referred to in the maxim “Only a Kovsie knows the feeling”?

It is the desire to want to be great, the motivation to live to my full potential.

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