Local author Eltin Deelman, who grew up in Macassar, once known as “Braaf se Plaas”, has channelled a lifetime of personal struggle and spiritual transformation into his newly-launched book, aimed directly at men, husbands and fathers.
His work is a powerful call for male leadership, built on humility, love and faith, born from his own journey of overcoming a difficult childhood and saving his marriage.
Growing up in what is now Smartie Town, Deelman said his early environment was marked by “abuse and conflict”.
He attended Macassar Primary and Zandvliet High schools, where foundational experiences instilled a fierce determination to forge a different path.
“As a boy I often told myself, ‘I don’t ever want to be like my father’. Those early experiences planted in me a strong desire to become a better man, a better husband and better father one day.”
Though Deelman started working at a young age and admits to lacking proper guidance, he saw his mistakes as his greatest teachers. His life found anchor on meeting wife Jacqueline, with whom he has three children.
His worldview, shaped by his humble and often-painful circumstances, is simple: “True strength comes not from what you have, but from what you overcome.”
Deelman’s spiritual journey, which led to the book, Man, Husband and Father, began in a “darkest season” when his marriage was nearly broken.
I realised I could no longer blame my upbringing or repeat the mistakes of my father. I had to take responsibility and allow God to transform me from the inside out.
That moment of surrender laid the foundation for the book, which aims to help men “rise up, not in pride or control, but in godly strength, grace and servant leadership”.
The book, launched at the end of September, addresses a perceived crisis of identity and purpose in modern male leadership. Deelman sees the book as more than just a guide, but a movement. “Men are the pillars of families, communities and the next generation. This book was born from that realisation, that there are many men who want to do better, who want to lead, but were never shown how.”
The book highlights crucial roles for men: spiritual leader; provider; protector; and vision caster.
Deelman advised men struggling with responsibility to focus on spiritual leadership first, believing that maturity in faith is the foundation from which all other roles flow with integrity.
He stressed that a man’s true calling is to be a “builder of legacy”, which transcends financial provision.
True legacy is not measured by what we accumulate, but by the character, values and vision we instil in the next generation
“The goal is to leave behind not just possessions, but a living inheritance of wisdom, courage, and leadership.”
For those feeling overwhelmed, Deelman offered encouragement: “Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence. The mark of a man is not in never falling, but in rising every time he does.”
๏ฎ The book is currently available for R250.
๏ฎ To order a copy or to inquire about teachings and speaking engagements, phone Eltin on 076 389 4870 or Jacky on 074 477 3607.
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