New book due soon
EDUCATION is the most important thing that any person can have as it is the only thing that cannot be taken away from you, says national best-selling author and Hawks spokesman McIntosh Polela.
Polela is in Nelson Mandela Bay this week as one of the Department of Arts and Culture's many ambassadors to talk to pupils during National Book Week, where he will highlight the importance of literacy and reading.
Other ambassadors who are expected to give motivational talks include musician Zonke, poet and hip-hop artist Kabomo, Shift presenter Aaron Moloisi and actor Jafta Mamabolo.
"While I was at school I had this English teacher who introduced me to reading with the intention of improving my English, but it did so much more than that.
"I developed a love for reading and it gave me the ability to confidently express myself. When you are able to confidently express yourself then many doors can open for you," Polela said.
"My book is also about the importance of education and literacy. Education is the only thing that can't be taken away from you. This is the message I hope they will take home with them."
Polela has had tremendous success since the release of his first book, a gripping biography titled My Father, My Monster, which has been short-listed for the prestigious Sunday Times Alan Paton Award and the 2011-12 Nielsen Booksellers' Choice Award.
The book is about his childhood and his attempts to reconcile with his father, who killed Polela's mother.
Polela said he was working on his second book, which he hoped would be released during the course of next year.
"After all the success from the first book I am stressing because now there is so much pressure and high expectations."
He said although the new generation were more interested in cellphones, he hoped they would still read e-books.
"I also think that if government could invest more into libraries and provide more libraries in rural areas and townships, then pupils who live there and who cannot afford to buy books can also benefit."
Polela helps to instil a love for reading
New book due soon
EDUCATION is the most important thing that any person can have as it is the only thing that cannot be taken away from you, says national best-selling author and Hawks spokesman McIntosh Polela.
Polela is in Nelson Mandela Bay this week as one of the Department of Arts and Culture's many ambassadors to talk to pupils during National Book Week, where he will highlight the importance of literacy and reading.
Other ambassadors who are expected to give motivational talks include musician Zonke, poet and hip-hop artist Kabomo, Shift presenter Aaron Moloisi and actor Jafta Mamabolo.
"While I was at school I had this English teacher who introduced me to reading with the intention of improving my English, but it did so much more than that.
"I developed a love for reading and it gave me the ability to confidently express myself. When you are able to confidently express yourself then many doors can open for you," Polela said.
"My book is also about the importance of education and literacy. Education is the only thing that can't be taken away from you. This is the message I hope they will take home with them."
Polela has had tremendous success since the release of his first book, a gripping biography titled My Father, My Monster, which has been short-listed for the prestigious Sunday Times Alan Paton Award and the 2011-12 Nielsen Booksellers' Choice Award.
The book is about his childhood and his attempts to reconcile with his father, who killed Polela's mother.
Polela said he was working on his second book, which he hoped would be released during the course of next year.
"After all the success from the first book I am stressing because now there is so much pressure and high expectations."
He said although the new generation were more interested in cellphones, he hoped they would still read e-books.
"I also think that if government could invest more into libraries and provide more libraries in rural areas and townships, then pupils who live there and who cannot afford to buy books can also benefit."
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