Every family harbours some unique secrets and, in his book Family Feud, God has a plan Amidst all the Chaos, political analyst and NMU lecturer Ongama Mtimka washes dirty linen in public.
Mtimka’s book, which will be launched at the Nelson Mandela University council chambers on September 27, lifts the lid on family squabbles and provides solutions on how to deal with past setbacks.
It gives insight on how to manage adversity and future relationships.
He said part of his writing was inspired by observing family feuds in the neighbourhood where he grew up on the dusty streets of Peddie in the Eastern Cape.
“While the book is about family, its political conflicts and spiritual principles apply to any other social institutions, be it the workplace, politics or society in general,” he said.
In addition, Family Feud further reflects critically on how some of the worst conflicts and violations of the rights of family members end up working together for the good of the victim.
Mtimka brings out the character known as Lizo Qobiza, who always wanted to defend himself in every situation.
The reader learns that Qostepmother, was born out of wedlock and his stepmother was insecure regarding his commitment towards her.
She acted in such a way that suggested she was under the impression that Lizo did not want her in the family and wished his father had married or would marry his biological mother.
Qobiza in turn wished that his people, particularly his could see in her heart that he did not harbour any of the thoughts he was being accused of.
Mtimka in his book gives a personal account regarding the importance of integrity in the workplace.
“While I was an emerging employee at an investment promotion agency, God spoke through His Holy Spirit that integrity was going to be the ultimate test of leadership,” he writes.
He said that since then he had seen leaders from global finance institutions and the public and private sector fall from grace on the basis of integrity.
Using some biblical narratives and critical personal obbiza servations, he takes you on a journey and explores subjects that have been pressing issues for years.
The central theme in his book is violation of rights, betrayal and rejection.
Mtimka urges readers to become the material with which God inculcates certain character traits which He needs to develop.
The book can be bought through Truesight Communications for R210, or Fogarty Books for R225.
Mtimka is a strategist, researcher and spiritual leader with his main focus on the marketplace.
While lecturing at NMU, he is studying towards his PhD.