FROM DUSTY STREETS TO PRIDE OF A DUST COVER

Fort Hare student used the experiences of his youth in Reeston, East London, to flesh out his first novel

While many youngsters spent the December holidays celebrating last year, University of Fort Hare student Di da Copiso spent his writing a book.

Now, almost a year later, he is the proud author of a novel, Nothing Can Be Something – Something Can Be Nothing.

Published by Searchlight Press last month, the debut novel was inspired by some of Copiso’s personal experiences growing up in Reeston township in East London and follows the story of the protagonist’s (Ngqiqo) life after he matriculates.

Although Copiso, 20, only started conceptualising and writing the book in November last year, he first thought of the story in 2016.

“I was chosen as the English class rep and I had to do an oral on a movie or book I had read for the subject advisor.

“At that time I hadn’t read or watched anything I felt was worth telling the subject advisor about, so I lied and made up a story and told them it was a movie,” said Copiso sheepishly. “After realising that I had made up the entire thing, my teacher actually encouraged me to write.

“The main reason I wrote the book was to show people coming from the townships that no dream is invalid and that anyone can make it if you invest in your future,” said Copiso.

“I want the people back home in Reeston to know that they are worth more than the dusty streets that suffocate their dreams daily.”

The novel is set in Reeston and echoes Copiso’s sentiments, exploring how the decisions Ngqiqo makes in life lead him down the right path and sometimes down the wrong ones.

“If there’s one thing I want people to take away from this book, it’s the importance of the decisions you make in life,” said Copiso.

The book is written in a mixture of isiXhosa and English, making it more accessible to a variety of readers.

“The isiXhosa parts are translated so that those who can’t understand Xhosa won’t miss out on any part of the story,” said Copiso.

The book costs R150 and can be purchased from Copiso by contacting him on 076-5423578.

Picture: MADELEINE CHAPUT JOB WELL DONE: Fort Hare student Dida Copiso, 20, displays a copy of his debut novel, ‘Nothing Can Be Something – Something Can Be Nothing’.