His legacy is a delightful children’s book that inspires children to finish school, but to have it promoted, printed and distributed to all corners of the country is a challenge.
Frank Bantsijang (52) from Kraaifontein works in a supermarket in Tyger Valley during the day, but at night follows his passion as a writer and illustrator.
His first book, The Day Naledi Went to School was penned in Setswana and translated into Xhosa, Afrikaans and English, a task his wife Nosisi Sodidile helped with.
It tells the story a young girl who despite many difficulties decides to go to school to pursue a better future.
Finish school
Frank, who self-published the book, is passionate about this message.
“If this book can inspire only one child to finish school, my life would have had a good purpose,” says the father of three.
The story is loosely based on his own life growing up in Mahikeng.
“I know what it feels like to not have money, and to struggle. But I want children to know how important it is to finish school,” he says.
Frank was only 11 when he started school, having to walk 12 km per day there and back.
In Grade 11 circumstances forced him to quit school when his parents, both farm labourers, fell on hard times.
He soon came to Cape Town in search of a job and a better life.
He started his first job at a Persian carpet shop, where he also started art classes with a friend of his employer.
His first work was published in 2006, a series of short stories published in the magazine Drum.
Saving up
In 2011, years after the carpet shop closed, he was employed by Angelo Melonas, the then owner of two Pick n Pay stores.
He now works for Melonas at his Willowbridge store where his book is available at the magazine stand.
It was while working here that he started work on the book.
“It took long to save up enough money to pay for the layout and printing of the book, but it was a dream come true.”
Having lived in Wallacedene for more than 30 years, Frank says he has seen many children not going to school, falling into social ills and losing hope for the future.
“It is my hope for my book to reach as many children as possible to encourage them to go to school and to continue working for a better life,” says the writer who has now started with his second book.
