 From left: Prof Barney Pityana, Prof Sipho Seepe (book reviewer), Mr Gaby Magomola (the author) & Prof Muxe Nkondo (book reviewer)
|
From Robben Island to Wall Street
Unisa Press unveiled yet another nail-biting, thought provoking and touching read within their hidden histories series at the Dr Miriam Makeba Concert Hall on 25 November 2009. The book is an autobiography entitled Robben Island to Wall Street, written by a former Robben Island political prisoner and a banker of note, Mr Gaby Magomola.
Prof Mandla Makhanya, Unisa's Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Chairperson of Unisa Press, said that we want people internationally, whether they were oppressed or are still oppressed, to hear this story from the person who has travelled this journey physically. "It is an authentic account of his life and it is a window to a life he has lived and as Unisa we wanted to be part of it."
When Mr Gaby Magomola spoke about his old friend, Mr Baker Mogale, he became emotional. "Baker we have made it and here it is!" The book talks about the personal life journey of Mr Gaby Magomola. He is a young activist who gets arrested and incarcerated on Robben Island for five years. The book continues to talk about his release, how he later received a Fulbright Scholarship and then worked for Citibank. "Unisa gave me a platform to tell my story," he said. "I wish to help people reflect on the reality that no adversary can stop you." He said the book is not about himself alone but about conditions in South Africa. It took him about four years to write the book. "I spoke to my peers who helped me put it all together," he said.
Prof Muxe Nkondo, Mr Baker Maseko and Prof Sipho Seepe did the review of the book. Prof Sipho Seepe said that this book must be read by children of all race groups as it articulates clearly the dark history of South Africa. "This book must be prescribed to be read by all students," said Prof Seepe. Mr Baker Maseko said Gaby Magomola is a true founder of Black Economic Empowerment.
Mr Magomola’s family was present during the launch. His wife, Ms Nana Magomola, said that she motivated her husband to write this book, because "our 30 years of marriage was characterised by stories and every time he spoke about Robben Island he always told a new story every day." Ms Magomola further said that she encouraged him to leave a legacy for all the children. |
