Born a crime and other South African stories by Trevor Noah

Born a crime and other South African stories by Trevor Noah

Welcome to our Tuesday book corner.

This week we look at South African born comedian, Trevor Noah’s book Born a Crime and other stories.

The first time I read the book, I fell in love with the character of Mam Patricia Noah and wondering what she will do next. Hence I kept turning the pages, I could relate so much with the story.

                                            Yes, after reading Born a Crime. I bought my current property. 

Not only did I see, my mother but many South African  township women through her.

The second time though, I was searching deep within for my true identity and asking deep questions about what was going on in the country during my conception and with all the beautiful history of apartheid history, how did we end up in the gender base violence mess. What happened to our human spirit? Our community etc.

I think everyone who is questioning our history, laws, and the rainbow nation idea should read this book.

The author has a way of simplifying complex matters and make them easy to understand even for the ordinary citizen who is not that well educated or find court matters and laws very complicated.

As a mixed breed from two South African tribes, the Zulu’s and the amaMpondo which forms part of the Xhosa tribe, I could identify with many of Trevor Noah’s struggles.

 

                                              Born A crime raise an awareness on the GBV and highlights the need for taining in the SAPS for treating such cases.

The book start with the immorality Act of 1927. 

In my simple version of understanding.  This law was put by  someone who hated the love and unity between black and white  way back in the 1920s.

So he or she abused his power by  creating a law that will see these two groups or  anyone from these two racial groups in prisoned for up to five years for men and four years for women. If they love each other or have any intercourse together.

I know it was the dumpest law ever, hence the product of that hatred, Trevor Noah is a full proof that you cannot jail love.

I don’t know about you but this law was set up to promote hatred than love meaning even before apartheid, these two groups did live peacefully and loved each other.

 

                                                     Rosebank Union Church kids centre, 

You will also enjoy the religious part of the Noah family and if you are black like me you will even enjoy it as you can relate to most of their stories.

 

During Covid 19 more GBV cases were brought to light and the lack of SA justice system action against perpetrators.

Those blacks who went to multiracial schools for the first time in the 90s can also relate to a lot that the author says or share.

My son and I getting sprayed with holy water after UCKG bishop told me my problem was witchcraft related hence I attended deliverance services.

I am glad that he touched on the Witch Craft Act, yes he jokes about it but  the witchcraft suppression amendment act 50 of 1970 is something that the government of South Africa needs to look at.

                                            The increase of churches doing deliverance services and  the muthi shops are evidence that witch craft is real and South African government need to look into and implement the Witch craft Act

Yes witchcraft is real not only in the homelands but witches have moved to the urban areas too.

 Alexandra Township is so full of them that every Friday and Sunday 1pm, at Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (both Pan Africa branch and 13^th Avenue ) branch there’s a deliverance service.

Often those who attend are educated and given tools to fight against witchcraft. As well as learning about God and salvation.

The streets of Johannesburg is full of people who were driven out of the Sandton mansion homes to being homeless through witchcraft. These are Dr, laws and businessman/woman

This is one of the many churches that has taken a stand on this. While other so called “churches” have took this opportunity to make money out of those who seriously seek help with deliverance.

This group is that of previously oppressed blacks whose education is not so good due to many other things apartheid.

Hence I believe the government of South Africa or the law of the country need to make a harsh law against witchcraft practise especially if it damages the other person or his/her property.

Their work can be proven especially if you are a believer in Jesus Christ. 

 The  most  most painful story that touched my heart was that of her mother and the GBV she experienced. 

The lack of training in the South African Police Service (SAPS)  when dealing with such cases needs to be looked at.

 I think the book was penned as a cry for help for her mother. The courts also need to get qualified people to oversee such cases. Over all, the book is funny but serious too, worth a read.