Book review
Putco Mafani: The Price and Prize of Greatness by Putco MafaniPublished by Tafelberg
Many known personalities from showbiz, soccer, business, politics and other industries have written memoirs about their presumably interesting lives.
Most of the writers find themselves in a good position although they come from humble beginnings.
They then tell you how they got to the top through difficult circumstances, by leading and making decisions in the top companies while also empowering those around them.
But some of these books are just blowing hot air.
In his memoir, Mphuthumi Mafani, the well known radio personality and businessman from the Eastern Cape, also delves into his upbringing and a passion for radio.
The book shows that nothing comes easy and that life’s journey is long but needs passion, patience, and knowing your dream.
Mafani overcame a lot of things including poverty and became a household name.
From the unknown Bhofolo, he has been on television, worked for the biggest team in the county, Kaizer Chiefs, and worked for more than three radio stations including the biggest black station, Umhlobo Wenene.
He made his name in the then CKi FM (Ciskei).
His life represents the saying that it takes a village to raise a child. He grew up without his father but a lot of fathers were always there for him.
The pain of growing up without the love of his biological father did not deter him from educating himself , of course with the help of his single mother and the hordes of brothers and uncles.
Even the lack of good schools in his semi urban Bhofolo, and the distance he had to walk to reach class did not discourage him from achieving what he wanted in life.
But mostly in his book he depicts the importance of values and African culture.
Putco, as he is affectionately known by many, rose above his challenges but didn’t allow fame and popularity to go to his head.
He remained grounded and focused on life . Reading the book opened my mind that people have a lot in common: historically and culturally.
This is a well written book with a mix of isiXhosa here and there and is both motivational and encouraging.
