In the heart of Mpumalanga, Witbank, Mulalo Prudence Mabogo, a compassionate and resilient soul, has forged her path as a nurse and an author, unveiling the depths of her experiences in her debut book, "16 Missed Calls." Through her writing, Mabogo seeks to shed light on the importance of self-expression, challenge societal norms, and educate the world about the true essence of courage.
Born and raised in Venda, a place blessed with the vibrant greens of life and the warm embrace of sun rays, Mabogo's journey has been one of overcoming obstacles and finding solace in the written word. From a young age, she confronted the torment of bullying, which at times stifled her ability to express herself fully due to the fear of being labelled and defined by others. Writing became her refuge—a means to convey her deepest emotions and thoughts.
It was in 2022 that Mabogo's literary aspirations came to fruition with the release of her first book, "16 Missed Calls." This remarkable creation took her approximately two to three months to complete. The driving force behind her book lies in the profound sense of absence she experienced in her own life. Mabogo reflects on missing her own identity while dedicating herself to others and losing sight of her passions amid the demands of the world.
While the book draws inspiration from her personal journey, it also encompasses the experiences of those close to her, enriching its narrative with diverse perspectives and shared struggles. Mabogo's desire to educate the world about courage lies at the core of her storytelling. She passionately contends that courage is often misunderstood and misused in society.
Traditionally, society has placed the burden of courage on women by praising their ability to conceal their pain. It propagates the notion that carrying pain with discipline is a sign of strength and desirability. However, this distorted perception perpetuates gender-based violence, where abuse and psychological subjugation are disguised as loyalty. Mabogo's writing aims to challenge these harmful norms and inspire a broader conversation on the true essence of courage.
In a poignant parallel, Mabogo draws upon the historic events of 1976 when young black South Africans united against a racist regime that denied them dreams and aspirations. The youth of that generation displayed remarkable courage and unity of purpose, protesting an education system designed to hinder their progress. Today's generation faces different challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment. However, they often display a disheartening tolerance for an education system that perpetuates these issues. The black population receives substandard education, resulting in higher rates of unemployment, while white individuals continue to thrive due to their access to education in Afrikaans, which aligns with market demands. The selflessness and tenacity demonstrated by the youth of 1976 serve as an inspiration for today's generation, urging them to challenge the status quo and strive for change.
Life after work:
“When not dedicating myself to my nursing profession and literary pursuits, I find joy in connecting with people and engaging in profound conversations”. Her commitment to family values resonates deeply, and she cherishes every opportunity to bond and have fun with her loved ones.
To experience the powerful narrative of "16 Missed Calls" first-hand, you can contact Mulalo Prudence Mabogo directly through calls or WhatsApp at 079 982 0366 or 071 274 5811. The book is priced at R280, inclusive of courier and delivery charges.
Lastly, through her book - Mabogo invites readers to embark on a transformative journey—a journey of resilience, empowerment, and self-discovery. In a world hungry for authentic stories that challenge societal norms and inspire change, Mulalo Prudence Mabogo's voice shines brightly, igniting conversations and awakening the courage within us all.