BOOK TITLE: DARK CONTINENT MY ARSE AUTHOR: SIHLE KHUMALO ISBN: 978-1-4152-0036-0 AVAILABLE AT: MAJOR BOOKSTORES BOOK WORM REVIEWED BY: KELETSO THOBEGA

I am a wish-to-be travel junkie, and seeing the world and different people and experiencing different cultures always makes me happy. Now that travel restrictions have been eased, we will see travel becoming as great as it used to be.

Nowadays, ‘travelling black’ is a thing. Many middleclass black people make up a considerate percentage of tourism returns and bolster the sector. Some people associate the word ‘tourist’ with white people due to previous socio-economic imbalances. But black people can also be tourists. Its just that for many decades, black people were historically economically disadvantaged and could not afford a better life and to pay for good experiences such as travel.

That’s why black people had to fight apartheid and colonialism and all other socio-economic bondages that violated the freedom of blacks, so that our people could be emancipated and arise to the awakening that life and happiness are not the privelege of the rich or whites.

Even here in Botswana, travelling used to be largely for the rich but nowadays, many working-class people can afford to travel, even if its on a budget. I have observed that many Batswana have been to Okavango, Makgadikgadi, Tuli, Kgalagadi and other prime travel destinations around the country to enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of the land.

On Instagram, I am always inspired by young black men and women who travel extensively, for work and leisure, and the beautiful shots they share. Those are the type of people who I envy, and I could be jealous of. It’s a philosophical matter - “Work hard, and enjoy your life.”

Through this book, Khumalo makes one wish to want to see more of Africa. His accounts demystify many stereotypes because Africa has always been associated with famine, war, crime, poverty and struggle. But there is another side to Africa; a more positive side of economic success, wealth, health and prosperity. And as someone who has travelled a bit - from Joburg to Cape town to Lusaka to Lagos- I have experienced a brighter side of Africa; nice people, good food, great music, different accents and personalites, as well as wonderful sights and sounds. Our continent is rich with culture, history and essence. Africa has a beautiful story. Raw, honest and real with amazing substance.

This books gives a more insightful view for those of who wish to see more of Africa but cannot afford it. The author writes from an adventurer’ perspective, which makes it an enjoyable read. This book is an easy and light read its just an account of what the writer saw and experienced

- it does not try too hard to be profound. What I found irking was his misogynist and sexist undertones - as a humanist, I found his tacky reference to women undermining and belittling, a cheap habit that is common in Africa. I dislike sexism and I was on the verge of throwing this book in the trash but I figured, well... he is being himself and telling his own truth. One can tell that he is “that guy from the hood” who joins the bourgeise circle; you know that whisky guzzling dude who starts his sentences with, “When i was in America...Or on my last holiday...” The type who come across as patronising when they are just telling their truth. But his honesty is what makes this book stand out. The author is just narrating his experiences. His lapping acceptance of stereotypes, and his inability to get beneath the surface when a surface perusal could be boring for the intellectual and rigid. It reads like having a chat with someone well-travelled.

I appreciate Khumalo’s writing style. He writes well and has a delightful energy about him free spirit!

This book is an entertaining and irreverent account of an ordinary African man’s adventures from South Africa to Egypt. I get the feeling that Khumalo works a good job and earns a whole lot of money or took out a loan for this travel. For some our who earn average incomes, this book inspires us to save for travel and keep looking for travel opportunities. If you have ever dreamt of traversing Africa and having the time of your life and experiencing the beauty of this continent then this is a great introductory read that make you

fall in love with Africa!