The Decade of Torment and Its Aftermath - Being a Sibling of Politically Active Brothers

The Decade of Torment and Its Aftermath puts the spotlight on the experiences the author, Patiswa Ma'Thuse Qokweni (née Ntsebeza), endured following two key events: the arrest of her two brothers, Dumisa Buhle Ntsebeza and Lungisile Ntsebeza, on 11 June 1976, and the murder of her cousin, Batandwa Ndondo, on 24 September 1985. She also reflects on how these developments affected not only her, but also the wider family, with particular reference to her mother's side of the family. Patiswa Ma'Thuse Qokweni views this period as the decade of hell and the most traumatic time in her life, one that had serious effects on the lives of, and relationships within, her extended family. However, the story does not end with the decade of torment. She takes her story beyond this decade and reflects on its aftermath, specifically on how circumstances began to improve from the latter part of 1987 onwards. In this regard, she focuses particularly on the remarkable achievements of her brothers, the reburial of Batandwa in 2022, and, finally, on the most recent momentous occasion of 18 December 2024, held in remembrance of their beloved parents.

Written by the sister of these two politically active brothers, this book offers a fresh and deeply personal perspective. A point made in the book is that, during the decade on which it focuses, most of the focus tended to be on the two brothers and their cousin, Batandwa Ndondo. As the author poignantly remarks:

"I may not have been sentenced to jail for political activities, but as a sister of my two brothers and a cousin of Batandwa, I suffered a great deal... My suffering was overshadowed by an almost exclusive focus on my brothers and cousin."

This book, which makes a significant contribution to and deepens our understanding of the struggles for emancipation in South Africa, will be of interest to activists, students, academics, researchers, and policymakers, particularly as they engage with the urgent need to transform curricula.

This is a well-written and coherent piece of work. It is painful to read, and one understands the anger and emotions of the author as she narrates her story and the painful events that could have crushed her, her brothers, and the broader family. Despite the tormenting experiences that left her emotionally scarred, Ma'Thuse emerged victorious in many ways. Her story demonstrates resilience and a positive drive that saw her pull through life, defying all odds.

Sheila Nokuthula Matoti, Retired Professor of Education and independent Researcher

The final endorsement begins:

A roller coaster of a life lived to the full; of excellence as an educator, albeit punctuated by the unjustified arrest and brief detention of the author by the Apartheid-era Security Police; incarceration of her siblings; the untimely deaths of both parents, including that of her mother while her brothers were still imprisoned, and the subsequent banishment of her siblings. There is far more to this story than just the events sparked by the arrest of the Ntsebeza siblings on that fateful day of 11 June 1976. A must-read book...

Dumisa Ntsebeza SC, Practising Counsel, Judge of the African Court on Human and People's Rights, author, and political activist. Book Launches

Join us in celebrating the launch of The Decade of Torment and Its Aftermath by Patiswa Ma'Thuse Qokweni.

Cape Town Launch

Wednesday, 12 August 2026

Isilimela High School

Langa, Cape Town

Cala Launch

Thursday, 24 September 2026

The Palace Guest House

Cala, Eastern Cape

Signed copies of the book will be available at both launches for R200.

We warmly invite members of the public, community leaders, students, educators, researchers, and all those interested in South Africa's history and the struggle for justice to attend these special events and meet the author.

Pre-Order Your Copy

Be among the first to own a signed copy of The Decade of Torment and Its Aftermath by Patiswa Ma'Thuse Qokweni.

To pre-order, please make payment using the banking details below.

Bank Details

Account Name: Sakhisizwe Information and Research Centre

Bank: Standard Bank

Account Number: 1019 283 443 4

Payment Reference: Mathuse Book + Your Name

After making payment, please keep your proof of payment and present it when collecting your book at one of the official launch events.