A new book celebrates Soweto spirit

A powerful new book captures the real stories of Sowetans who refused to give up, no matter how tough life became. 

Soweto Stories: Tales of Resilience, Humour and Hope features 21 inspiring accounts of people who grew up under apartheid and rose to lead in business, community work and activism.

These are second- and third-generation Sowetans who know what it means to struggle and to overcome.

“These are stories of people who grew up in crowded two- and four-roomed houses, sleeping on dining room floors that became bedrooms at night,” said V. Zwelibanzi Mntambo, one of the editors. 

“They walked dusty streets to schools where dedicated teachers, despite the limitations of Bantu Education, were determined to sculpt them into something more than what the system intended.”

The personal stories are honest about township life. Girls had to learn to be tough and street wise, navigating thugs and suitors at almost every corner. Boys had to sidestep criminality, finding ways to make money by selling apples and peanuts on trains while dodging ticket examiners because they couldn’t afford the fare.

But this is not a book about suffering. It’s a book about hope and overcoming. 

“What strikes you about each contributor is their refusal to indulge in self-pity,” said Thabo Ndabeni, the other editor. 

“They looked at impossible situations and found ways to turn hardship into fuel for ambition. They climbed higher while never losing their ability to find humour in life’s absurdities.”

The book includes beautiful photographs by Lehlohonolo Khoza, a young photographer who captures Soweto as it is today – a vibrant and evolving township where dreams are forged and creativity flourishes.

Among the people sharing their stories in the book are Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Motsumi Makhene, Sibongile Mkhabela, Oupa Ngwenya, Fanyana Daniel Mazibuko, Khalipha Eddie Mbalo and Miriam Tladi.

Dr Mokaba Mokgatle, who grew up in Naledi township, in the far western part of Soweto, puts it beautifully in his story: “I want young readers to understand something important: we were not victims waiting to be saved. We were a generation that grew up playing golf and soccer, selling apples and importing clothes, learning multiple languages and creating new ones, studying hard despite inferior education and building strong communities despite being scattered across ethnic lines.”

The editors hope the book will inspire young people today and encourage them to read and write their own Soweto stories. The book sells for R260 at all major bookstores, including Xarra Books and Takealot.

So, do you have your own Soweto story to share? The editors are looking for more voices to add to future editions.

If you grew up in Soweto and have a story of resilience, humour or hope, send it to submissions@sowetostories.co.za. Your story could inspire the next generation.