By Professor Tinyiko Maluleke
In this captivating collection of essays, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke invites readers on a journey. The journey begins with his eventful boyhood in Soweto. It continues through his life-changing upbringing in Limpopo.
His heartfelt reflections on mothers, grandmothers and aunts stand at the centre of his story. He also explores their roles in his childhood and in the upbringing of his peers. In doing so, he highlights how these women shaped heroes and heroines across communities. As a result, readers encounter a deeply personal yet collective memory.
Women, memory and national identity
This is a feminist book in its truest sense. It powerfully highlights and celebrates women’s vital contributions to national development. The narrative also traces Maluleke’s academic journey and his rise through institutional ranks. Along the way, he reflects on key lessons learned across his career.
Woven into his personal narrative is a broader reflection on South Africa. He encourages readers to reconsider the country’s history, its villages and its townships. He also asks readers to reflect on their own identities within this context. Furthermore, he connects personal memory with national experience.
Maluleke delivers an unflinching analysis of critical issues facing South Africa. He blends rigorous scholarship with a command of diverse literary genres and styles. His memoir goes beyond personal reflection and becomes a tribute to people and places. These include both celebrated figures and unsung contributors who shaped his worldview. His incisive profiles of fellow university leaders stand out as particularly compelling.
A memoir of a country and a historical epoch
Faces and Phases of Resilience will make you think, laugh, yell and cry. Faces and Phases of Resilience also functions as a memoir of a country and a historical epoch. In addition, Faces and Phases of Resilience captures the tragedy, beauty and hope of South Africa. It invites readers into a layered experience of memory and meaning.
Forty-nine chapters later, the book closes with a haunting essay on xenophobia. It culminates in a reflection titled “The Day I Die”. This piece carries an ironic foretelling of Maluleke’s own death. It lingers long after the final page is turned.
With wit, humour and an elegant turn of phrase, Maluleke straddles the arts, music, politics, business, education, traditions, culture and other spheres of society. The strongest moments in Faces and Phases of Resilience are the tributes he pays to ordinary people. In particular, he honours mothers and grandmothers. These women play a critical role in nurturing many of the figures we see in society. In doing so, they help knit together the fabric of our nation.
– Dr Mosibudi Mangena, Former Minister of Science and Technology
About the author
Professor Tinyiko Maluleke serves as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). He also serves as Deputy Chairperson of the National Planning Commission. Professor Maluleke stands as a distinguished South African academic and influential public intellectual.
He has judged prestigious literary awards and held executive roles in higher education institutions. These include the University of South Africa (Unisa), the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the University of Pretoria (UP). He also serves as an Extraordinary Professor at Unisa.
- PUBLISHER | Tracey McDonald Publishers |
- ISBN | 978-1-0672288-7-3 |
- Recommended Retail Price | R380.00 |
- Classification | Memoir |
For more information | Janine Daniel | +27 (0)83 327 3393 | mail me |
