Please tell about yourself.
I’m currently completing my communication degree with UNISA. I work as a brand and sales director at Mofaya Beverage Company, which is co-owned by Dj Sbu. I’m also the CEO of a brand rejuvenation company, Phamotse and Company Pty ltd.
You’ve recently written a book about the late Karabo Mokoena. What inspired this?
Narrating African stories is my passion and Karabo was a lovely woman. However her life has become a point of reference for many young people. She inspired me to tell the truth of our social ills and challenges. We live in a very brutal yet artificial society and that can come with a huge responsibility. But Karabo’s life played out in all our lives and her death opened up a conversation we all fear. Can we value ourselves enough to give up money? Do we love our peace of mind? What does our education system teach us? How do we see signs of abuse? How to we sustain our own lives with out selling our souls? So her life teaches us a lot.
What challenges did you go through while writing BARE?
I self-published BARE, which costs a lot. We’ve spent over R150 000 on the production of the book, marketing, editing and proofreading, book design and layout. This also includes fees to do research and traveling to our sources. Distribution is also costly, as well as printing the actual copies for bookstores and books for marketing. I ended up using my savings to make this happen. Editors are expensive, as well as the PR team. And the most importing part is getting the right team to help in the growth of the project.
Please tell us a bit about the book. What exactly is it about?
BARE is dedicated to the late Karabo Mokoena, the woman who made news headlines after being burnt to death by her boyfriend. I also delve into Treasure’s real life story. She shares the abuse from men that were around her. From her father’s power over them, to being gang raped at a club, raped during model castings and how she sold her soul to a man who gave her the lavish lifestyle as he slowly owned her life by taking each piece of her soul. She reveals the truth about what happens behind the high walls of the many businessmen and politicians who strive to make young girls and boys submit to them in order to live the posh lifestyle.
Your book touches a lot on blessers, what is your stance on that?People should work for what they desire and not hand over there dreams to blessers. Hard work and passion can take you far. People should be patient and be willing to learn and grown on their own. Its okay to have challenges and struggle but don’t sell your soul.
Why should one buy the book?
My book is a must-have! It will open people’s minds, teach great life lessons, show them a different view to life, most importantly help those who need to be freed from this lifestyle. It will help parents understand what pressures kids face and how can they help. This is a modern day Lifestyle bible!
BARE is available on Amazon, CNA and Exclusive books, Plus Skoops at Montecasino for R200.
