Dingake launches third book in Gabs

Tefo Pheage | Thursday December 3, 2015 15:40

The founder of Botswana Congress Party launches the book with the help of the South African High Commission and Ahmed Kathrada Foundation. South African High Commissioner, Mduduzi Limbete, will officiate at the occasion, which will also see Max Sisulu, the son of Walter Sisulu gracing the event as the guest of honour.

This will be the third launch of the book which was initially launched in South Africa at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg and at the Sol Plaatjie foundation in Kimberly.

In a brief interview with Mmegi, Dingake said this is a very important launch for him, adding that people have been complaining that he was taking too long to launch the book in Botswana.

“Some were even complaining that I should have launched it here in Botswana first but people need to know that the publisher is Kathrada Foundation which is based in South Africa,” he said. Kathrada is one of the struggle heroes in South Africa who was imprisoned along with struggle heroes like Mandela, Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mhlaba, Denis Goldberg, Elias Motsoaledi and Andrew Mlangeni.

Dingake spent 15 years in the infamous Robben Island Prison.

Dingake has written several books. In his latest book, Better to Die on One’s FEET, he chronicles his life from birth in Bobonong, his school studies in Bobonong and in Johannesburg and his life during the struggle; his interaction with Nelson Mandela, Mac Maharaj, Kathrada, Sisulu (Walter), Mlangeni, Jacob Zuma and Bayers Naude.

Dingake chronicles his stay at the BNF, his life with Dr Kenneth Koma and Gilson Saleshando. The book, he says is an interesting read that goes further into his family life, his children and wife. This is Dingake’s third book.

The launch is the fourth in a planned series which will continue throughout 2016, according to the publisher’s spokesperson.

The first three have already taken place in Johannesburg, Kimberly and Cape Town. Copies will be available for sale and buyers will have an opportunity to have their copies autographed by the author. Stock is expected at Exclusive Books from early next week.

 According to the organisers, 50 people have confirmed attendance at tomorrow’s launch.  Dingake’s younger sibling, Judge Oagile Key Dingake will give a family perspective.

This will be followed by a 30 minute “conversation” between the author and Sisulu (Max), the first speaker of the SA National Assembly in post apartheid South Africa and son of prominent ANC politicians, Walter and Albertina Sisulu. The event starts at 6pm.