CONGRATULATORY messages and praise were the order of the evening, as Mthatha businessman, philanthropist, academic and now author, Dr Andile Nontso, launched his autobiography, titled The Life and Times of Dr Andile Nontso, during an intimate gathering of about 30 invited guests at the Mthatha Country Club on September 28.
According to Nontso, the autobiography was three years in the making, after he saw the need to document and share his life experiences, from a rural boy growing up in his birthplace of Mahamane location in KwaBhaca (formerly Mount Frere), to his career as a teacher and his life as a businessman and philanthropy through his Dr Andile Nontso Foundation.
“The decision to write the autobiography came from the realisation that there are not many black authors today, while the times we live in today are very different compared to the time while I was growing up.
“I then saw the need to document my experiences as a child and the trials and tribulations that moulded me to be who I am today, while also hoping, through this autobiography, to dispel the misconception out there that being from a rural or disadvantaged background equates to you not being able to make a success out of your life,” Nontso said.
The launch of the autobiography coincided with Nontso’s 57th birthday, having been born on September 28, 1964.
The autobiography is further meant to raise funds for the Dr Andile Nontso Foundation, which invests in grooming young boys to be better future leaders, developing them through golf and other sport, as well as teaching them social skills.
Dr Nontso obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education at Walter Sisulu University in May 2020.
He is also a founding member and secretary of both the Eastern Cape Chamber of Business and OR Tambo District Chamber of Business and holds several positions at various organisations as a board member.
Nontso has more than 30 years of experience in business management, human resource management, financial management and project management.
The book is currently available at all Elliot Pharmacies in Mthatha at R130 per copy, while those in other areas can place their orders through the Dr Andile Nontso Foundation Facebook page.
The autobiography, Life and Times of Dr Andile Nontso, is published by Impande Yehlumelo publishers.
