A man from Uitsig in Ravensmead says he hopes his new book will inspire other people who come from similar circumstances as his.
Sylvester Pretorius’ book Triumph will be released soon and, as the title evokes, he hopes it will encourage people to triumph over whatever obstacles they face.
“I never imagined moving beyond my matric year,” the qualified social worker pointed out. “In fact, we were a family battling to make ends meet. I am the only one in my immediate family to obtain Grade 12, while the rest of my siblings had to help maintain the family’s needs.”
Pretorius said from the moment his final matric exam was over he developed a determination to do something meaningful with his life.
“Not long before my examination, to get an exemption, which is a requirement for university study, I changed two of my standard-grade subjects to higher grade, so I could be accepted at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) the following year. I also became more motivated to study hard and pass.
“Also, I didn’t have the money to study, nor did I know anybody who could help me pay for my studies. Bursaries were not on my mind and I never thought beyond my social environment. Studying had never been experienced by my family.”
He was accepted at UWC, but needed R3 000 for registration fees.
“I did not have money, so I asked for some support from friends and family and I managed to gather R650. It was in my second year of my social work degree that I asked myself how I could help someone that faced the same struggles I had. This was the inspiration for the book.”
A few years later Pretorius asked an editor, Mary Ann Wenham, to edit his manuscript.
“But then she had a serious stroke and was paralysed. A few months later she contacted me and told me the manuscript had inspired her. She said I had to pay only half the money she requested for the editing. Eventually she added her own testimony to the book.
“The book also inspired many students and learners, many of whom wanted to quit their schooling and tertiary education. The book gave them hope, inspiration and courage to make the most of their lives.”
Pretorius will self-publish the book and you can order by contacting him at sylvesterpretorius@gmail.com or 084 602 4809 or 076 328 0709.
