A Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) Wellness Officer has chronicled the adversities of her tumultuous life in an awe-inspiring memoir that ignites hope from a bleak past to a prospective future.
Mpadi Moemise, a newly published author of Fears to Hope, a timeline of her life’s journey from birth up to as recent as 2019, says the literary work is an implicit letter to all women. “Coming from a disadvantaged background, I am inspired by the thought that my story can encourage a lot of women,” says Mpadi.
But the process to produce the autobiography wasn’t plain sailing. In a world that stacks odds against women, Mpadi had to trounce several challenges to publish a book she believes can outlive the century.
“I met a lot of obstacles with known publishing houses when I was ready to publish. I would submit the manuscript and never get a response. Sometimes the only response would be ‘we are considering or reviewing your manuscript’,” she explains.
However, Mpadi says the idea to relinquish her dream to become a published author never downed on her. “Eventually I considered and settled for self-publishing,” a difficult feat, she says.
Hailing from one of Joburg’s most quintessential township suburbs, Orlando East, has crystallised Mpadi, preserving her for future fortunes. “I love the history of Joburg.”
She says she has always relished reading books and adores her mother, her biggest inspiration, for having raised five daughters singlehandedly. “I often marvel at how she managed to take us to schools she never had the opportunity to attend despite the meagre salary that she earned at the time. I always try to emulate my mother in whatever I do.”
Mpadi started working at the JRA in March 2003 as a Committee Officer, before moving to the Wellness Office, where she helps her colleagues and their families’ process traumatic experiences. She worked as a Secretary/Receptionist at Network recruitment before joining the City and served St George’s United Church as a Housing Project Manager prior to that.
“Writing and publishing requires dedication and consistency. Even if you lose interest at some point, you should always go back to your writing after you have recharged.”
Mpadi holds an Honours degree in Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts Degree specialising in HR and project management, HIV/Aids counselling and journalism. When she’s not cracking her head reading and chronicling memoirs, the family-oriented Mpadi unwinds and sometimes travels with her daughter (17) and son (10) as well as her sisters and their children.
As a self-published book, Fears and Hope is available from Mpadi on 011 298 5251/082 339 8649; alternatively, email: mmoemise@jra.org.za or mpadimoemise20@gmail to place an order.
“I am proud to be a City of Joburg employee because of the various opportunities that are made possible for employees, especially that of subsidised education,” she adds.
