High Commissioner Kingsley Mamabolo launched his riveting memoir ‘Let Not The Sun Set On You’ in London on Friday, 2nd May.
Kingsley Mamabolo is South Africa’s High Commissioner to the UK. He gained this position after a distinguished diplomatic career, including serving as the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the African Union, South Africa’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Chairing the Group of 77 developing countries.
Let Not The Sun Set On You: from Anti-Apartheid Activist to Seasoned Diplomat tells his story.
Growing up in Soweto, experiencing the hardship and violence endemic to the South African townships, angry at the systematic discrimination and marginalisation of apartheid, and eager to do his bit for the liberation of his homeland, he joined the African National Congress in 1976. From here, he embarked on a long and illustrious career against apartheid and in the service of his country.
A deeply personal account, this book tells the commitments made by one man towards the dream of a free and democratic South Africa. A dream he is still pursuing to this day.
The book launch was held at the Four Seasons hotel, at Tower Bridge in central London.
On Friday, 2nd May, Kingsley, his wife, friends, organisers, and colleagues at the High Commission gathered to support the launch of the book.
The event was hosted by Professor T.E.A Beravale, a world renowned economist who has worked with the United Nation Food and Agricultural organisation. Alderman Tim Hailes, Lord Boatang, and Kingsley Mamabolo all spoke at the book launch.
In his speech, Alderman Hailes shared how upon first sitting down to read the book he became “completely engrossed”. ‘Let Not The Sun Set On You’ is a “wonderful achievement” that “is more than a memoir. It’s a map. A story of integrity, courage, and humanity in turbulent times. Kingley’s life tracks a struggle to freedom. From the shadows of apartheid to the era of Mandela and far beyond”.
A work that is incredibly inspiring.
In his own words, Kingsley Mamabolo believed this book and the anti-apartheid struggle it documents are relevant now as much as ever.
“I say in my book that one important thing is we need to be writing stories like this. Memories fade away and people forget quickly. If you’re not careful, as much as we want to forgive and move on… it is important that we do not forget. Because if you do forget history has a tendency to repeat itself.”
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