YOUNGEST BLIND AUTHOR LAUNCHES HIS 3RD BOOK

By: Ledwaba Mmaphuthi 

Twitter: @LedwabaMP2 

Email: ledwabaehm@gmail.com 

Despite being an author of three books, Calvin Mogajane is proof that your imperfections do not determine who you are or what you will be in life. The 23-year-old student from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) seems to be conquering the world regardless of being blind. Mogajane is now doing his final year in language practices at TUT, Soshanguve campus. 

Calvin Mogajane, went against all odds to fulfill his dreams of becoming an author. He launched his 3rd book earlier this month and the name of the book is titled “Strong Woman”. The book tells a story of family, loyalty, and a woman whose bravery changes everything, this book is set in the background of “Kwamhlaba uya lingana” and is breathtaking and a capturing story. He is the youngest blind author in the country. 

Picture by: Ledwaba Mmaphuthi. In the picture, Calvin Mogajane

Calvin Mogajane, who is originally from Limpopo province, was born with Glaucoma which led him to be blind when he was a child. According to Mogajane, this was not the end of the road. When he was asked about his childhood he said, “Growing up was difficult for me because I have a twin brother, and we were separated when we were kids, and he went to a normal school and I went to a special school, so I accepted my situation, and I made the best out of it.”

Mogajane is now hosting his radio show at TUT FM called Mid-Morning Connection with his co-host and producer Mathekga Senyolo. TUT FM 96.2 is a South African University campus radio station based in Soshanguve, Gauteng. It broadcasts from the Soshanguve campus.

When Mathekga was asked how it is working with Calvin he smiled and said Calvin is someone is always smiling, who is easy, and fun to work with. Even though he cannot see, he is always on time for his show. Since he cannot see the time, during the show he helps him by telling him what time it is a minute before the show starts so that he can be able to tell the listeners the time.

Mogajane did not study any media-related studies but due to his love and passion for radio he was able to get a radio show, he managed to get a device that helps him to prepare and read his menu script when he is going on air. He prepares his content with passion and focuses on pressing issues like Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the LGBTQI+ community, and other social development issues.

Picture by: Calvin Mogajane 

Mogajane is also a director and a writer of different stage plays. His plays are based mostly on GBV and his time at university. Some are inspired by famous writers that he looks up to. “As a blind writer, I receive so much criticism, but it depends on how you handle the criticism. It is either you allow that to become your second skill, or you continue with your life by achieving your goals,” says Calvin. 

Mogajane is looking forward to more success in his life and cannot wait to achieve more of his dreams.