BUA Vol 8 Issue 4

Vice-Chancellor & Principal
reviews book of the month
By Nosipho Mnyandu
The Dinokeng building at Pretoria Campus was nothing short
of inspiration as the Vice-Chancellor & Principal Professor
Tinyiko Maluleke reviewed his favourite book for the
Women’s month titled An Ode To My Mother-In-Law by Dr Gloria
Tomatoe Serobe.
“I wrote this book because I believe
that stories of wonderful mothers are
hardly told. Books are less likely to bring
attention unlike commercial shows that
we see on public platforms”
Dr Gloria Tomatoe Serobe
In this book written as a homage to her late mother-in-law,
Serobe speaks about the relationship she shared with her, the
teachings, lessons, difficulties, and most importantly, the love
and support she received from her.
Executive Dean of the
Faculty of Science
Professor Ntebogeng
Mokgalaka stated that
the narrative applauds
the special relationship
that bridges the age
gaps, highlighting the
significance of family
ties and the impact of
women in fostering and
guiding. “In a society
where the relationships
between a makotis and
their mothers-in-law are
often vilified , and with so many stories that we
hear and some of us experience about our mothers-in-law, stories
that are portrayed are hardly good stories,” she concluded.
“After I lost my mother, my mother-in-law came and slept beside
me. As we were tossing and turning, she would put her hand on
my shoulder, and that was her way of letting me know that I still
have a mother in her even after my tragedy.”
Professor Tinyiko Maluleke highlighted some of his favourite
quotes and discoveries from the book. “I think the most striking
aspect of this book by Dr Gloria Serobe is the least obvious. When
we read it, we must read all the lines. We must read between the
lines, read above the lines, read behind and below the lines,” he
stated. He further added that this book resonates well with the
month of August because it tells a story of a woman supporting a
woman.
Proffesor Ntebogeng Mokgalaka, Executive Dean of the Faculty of
Science, expressing her sentiments about the book
Proffesor Tinyiko Maluleke shares his
views upon reading the book
Dr Gloria Serobe is gifted with flowers as a token of appreciation for
her dedicated time and patience
page
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BUA