Magang's 'unputdownable' memoirs

| Friday July 11, 2008 00:00

Before a capacity crowd at the Phakalane Country Club, Magang said he had always wanted to write his own story.

'I did not want any historian or chronicler to write about me,' he said, adding that the story coming from the horse's mouth will be truthful.

'My life has in fact been punctuated by adversity. I have run the gauntlet of trials and tribulations, been tossed from pillar to post, and escaped death by the breath of a hair on more than one occasion. Certain of these calamities have been mere fate. Most have been pure machination, with both friend and foe competing to plot my woes.

If I have been able to endure this unending purgatory, and excelled where others would simply have thrown in the towel, I owe my apparent invincibility first to Almighty God and second to my own industry and resilience.

In short,this story is not necessarily of Davidid Magang. It is a lesson in fortitude, a sermon, by and large, on unyielding resolve, a study in resoluteness of purpose. It is endeavour not so much to parade a certain man's virtues as to showcase the efficacy, generally, of an imperturbable steely core.

It is living and illustrated proof of the magic of perseverance,' writes Magang in the prologue of the book.

The guest speaker at the occasion, Professor, Bojosi Otlhogile, described the book as well written and one that does not pull punches.

Professor Otlhogile said the book has instructive lessons for prospective lawyers, businessmen, students and just about everyone interested in the history of Botswana.

Speaking on behalf of the publisher (CASAS), Dr Joe Tsonope, said upon reading the book he realised that he knew very little of Maganag. With Magang's memoirs, Tsonope said it might not be very necessary to read motivational speakers when they have their own here.

Tsonope said his son probably has a better description for the book:
'It is unputdownable'.