Duduza – The Duduza Heritage Project handed the community its recently completed book, Duduza Township, on Friday.
“In SA, when you talk about Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu, almost everyone knows who you are talking about. But once you mention Monty Johannes Motloung, all of a sudden, you are speaking a foreign language. The story of
Solomon Mahlangu is never complete without Monty Motloung to complement it,” said Msindisi Mshudulu, the lead researcher and author of the book.
Beginning in April 2023, Mshudulu aimed to uncover the untold stories of the people of Duduza and make special mention of the political heroes who have not enjoyed honour for their roles in the liberation struggle.
The book pays homage to residents Maki Skosana, Kgopi Rakosa, Sonto Thobela and Veli ‘Gorbachev’ Mazibukpo.
“Embodied in our research acquaintance was the resilience and courage of the community (of Duduza).
“We interviewed community members, ranging from average citizens to workers, civic leaders of yesteryear, erstwhile political activists, sports enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, prominent social leaders, disgruntled youth, and parents who lost their children at the hands of the apartheid regime.
“These personal accounts offered invaluable insights into the lived experiences and aspirations of the people of Duduza.
“Additionally, we engaged with academic literature, policy documents and reports to ground our analysis in a broader context,” explained Mshudulu.
The 14-chapter book deals with the origins of the township and the accounts of the forced removals from Charterston.
“Chapter two focuses on life under apartheid,” he added.
The book is not for sale because the National Heritage Council funded the project.
“We intend to get the book in every school in Duduza and any other institutions that will allow us,” he said.
Copies of the book are available at the Duduza Library, where the event took place.
