Tongaat is a town filled with rich history and is home to many who have built a legacy from nothing but strong will.
It is home to communities that band together in difficult times and people who stand proud by their cultural heritage. Hoping to capture what life in Tongaat is like is community activist and youth leader, Daniel Alick, with the launch of his new book, ‘The heart of life led in Tongaat’.
“The book aims to capture what life is like in Tongaat. It talks about the very essence of what our communities are like. The helpfulness of each individual, the areas most frequented, as well as the struggles that many don’t know about,” said Alick.
The book was launched last month at the Tongaat Central Library and was well received by the community. Alick said: “People were excited to read about their home town, places and activities they are familiar with. I knew taking on this task would not be easy as I had to be very careful to not upset anyone by not doing proper research or not explaining what I meant in a way that properly captures and explains what I am talking about. The people of Tongaat are a very proud group as only they understand the struggles they face. Only they know what it means to go to these schools, play in these parks and understand the relationship they’ve built with each other over the years.”
For the young philantropist and community activist, the publishing of this book is a very proud time for Alick. He said: “This book was actually completed in the year 2020 but was officially accepted and launched this year. I just can’t wait for the community of Tongaat, as well as many others, to grab this piece of history. I hope it could bring about a new or better understanding of Tongaat and that it encourages others to write about their home towns as only you know what life is like in your community.”
The Tongaat and Verulam Tabloid is giving away two copies of ‘The heart of life led in Tongaat’ to two luckily readers. To get a copy please send us a personal account of what life in Tongaat means to you in no more than 150 words. Entries can be emailed to tongaatverulamtabloid@gmail.com.
