Newly-published author, Loyiso Matsha, is proud to have written two books based on the history of Black South African tennis players, and the history of his home town, KwaNomzamo in Humansdorp.
The books were introduced at a launch event at Mzingisi Primary School in Humansdorp, on June 8.
As previously reported by Kouga Express, Matsha, who has relocated to Gauteng, is a former South African u/18 boys’ 1978 singles tennis champion, and joint runner-up for the June 1978 Citrus Black Sportsmen of the month in South Africa, alongside Kaiser Chiefs soccer maestro, Nelson “Teenage” Dladla.
With a passion for tennis, he began researching and writing about the history of black tennis players over more than 150 years and has recently published the History of S.A. Black Tennis – 1875 till 2022.
“My experience as a tennis player and the love I have for the sport drove me to write a book about the history of black tennis,” said Matsha.
He was inspired to write his second book, Humansdorp’s Ou Lokasie will Rise again– in a different form, after visiting his beloved KwaNomzamo a few years ago.
Matsha said during his visit he was shocked to learn about the increase in drug addiction, gangsterism, and crime, in Humansdorp.
To educate the younger generation about the good values and discipline he learned as a young boy while living in KwaNomzamo, he said this book focuses on the history of the area, which was previously referred to as “Ou Lokasie”.
He further said the book dates back to 1849 when Humansdorp was first founded.
“At least 20 percent of the book focuses on Humansdorp at large, while 80 percent focuses specifically on the Ou Lokasie which is now known as KwaNomzamo,” said Matsha.
As part of his research for the books, Matsha said that while visiting the South African National Library in Tshwane he inquired about books focusing on black South African tennis players and about the history of KwaNomzamo, where he was surprised to learn that there were none.
He said the only information he was able to find on black tennis was scant, and not in book form.
Matsha said he found a 10-page newspaper record titled The South African Black Tennis Foundation which was established by Arthur Ashe and Charles Owen in 1976.
“When I visited the state library in Tshwane, they told me that they do not have books focusing on these two topics, and I then realised that if the state library does not have these books, then they do not exist,” said Matsha.
“I therefore believe that I am a pioneer for my community, as both books are a first.”
In addition to his new title as author, Matsha is also the founder and president of Douglas Matsha People’s Association (Domapa), a non-profit organisation established to promote education, sport, cultural activities, and leadership training.
He said 50 percent of the proceeds of the book sales will be donated to Domapa.
“Community members are urged to buy the books to help Domapa soar to greater heights,” said Matsha.
History of S.A. Black Tennis – 1875 till 2022 costs R350 and was published by Sinqobile Publishers, while Humansdorp’s Ou Lokasie will Rise again – in a different form costs R170 and is self-published.
For more information, or to purchase the two books, contact Loyiso Matsha at 071 381 6226.
