Ex-gangster writes novel
WHEN the going gets tough, the tough get going, is a well-known adage and something an aspiring Durban author can attest to.
Self-employed Musa Kheswa, 45, from umlazi, got the attention of cyclists and joggers along Durban’s promenade where he tried to sell his book.
Kheswa was driving along the beachfront when he saw the opportunity to market his book, titled
The book is a crime thriller set in a dark and violent time in Durban. It is based on a boy from umlazi who engaged in criminal activity, goes to prison where he joins prison gangs and then dies.
Kheswa said he was on his way to a book shop in the city when he saw people on the promenade and used the opportunity to market his book.
Randomly approaching people who were taking in the sun, Kheswa was able to strike up conversations while promoting his book.
“It’s a tough time for everyone trying to promote their work. I thought why not give it a try. People were willing to listen and some even bought the book,” he said.
In 2011, Kheswa published his first book,
which did not sell well.
He then completed a creative writing course before penning
“I am a reformed gangster who has been able to turn his life around. I was inspired by events around me to write this book. I wanted to educate youngsters through this book.
“Kids in the township idolise gangsters, but when they get arrested it is a different story. They don’t know about the reality of what happens in jail, like the rape.”
Kheswa has a number of qualifications, including a national diploma in electrical engineering: light current, a diploma in business management and a Bcom honours management degree.