Ngcobo author brings hope and inspiration with new book
In a world where many young people are struggling with thoughts of suicide, possibly brought on by unemployment, rape and abuse, Nangazo Sogwangqa has penned Means Of Faith, a book offering a message of hope and inspiration.
Sogwangqa, who once had suicidal thoughts after losing her sister, said her love for writing started at the age of 14.
Born and bred in Ngcobo, she was inspired by award-winning author John Kani.
She wrote her 46-page book with Nelson Nciweni.
Sogwangqa said she had always known that becoming an author was not a far-fetched dream.
“As a person who wasn’t talkative at home, writing has been a way of expressing myself.
“I used to write sweet notes for myself and friends.”
To fight her depression, she would write words of assurance to comfort herself.
“Every morning, I’ve given myself a responsibility to write a motivation.
“I believe that sometimes what you want to hear to gain strength and positivity has to come from within you,” she said.
Sogwangqa said the loss of her sister was heart-wrenching. She described her as a mentor and her reason to live.
“After losing my mentor, I lost hope.
“Things went south at home since she was a breadwinner so I went into depression because I wasn’t getting any help.
“I started going to church and through faith, hope was restored.
“I woke up one day and as I was sitting next to a tree trying to figure something out, I saw a growing stem of a tree that was once cut and I knew the situation was not permanent.
“From that day, I strove to change my situation and that was the way out of depression.
“I want everyone to believe that there’s a superior power you can fully trust, and to have confidence in the fulfilment of the promises.”
She said writing the book was not difficult.
“It was easy for a person who grew up loving writing.
I believe that sometimes what you want to hear to gain strength and positivity has to come from within you
“As a person who writes about faith, God has given me guidance on what to say.”
Even though she is a Christian, she said the book was targeted at everyone facing their own battles.
“This book is not specifically written for believers but for everyone. Faith is a necessity for everyone in life as we face trials and tribulations.
“In life, you may lose everything but not faith.
“Through faith we are conquerors and all things are possible,” Sogwangqa said.