Prominent lawyer Ephraim Ndlovu is set to launch his first book titled The Path of the Revolutionary, examining social transformation and the pathway of revolution from the anti-slavery era to the promotion of responsible governance.
The 104-page book, which contains 10 chapters, was published by Igwaladi Publishers of Lupane and will be launched at the National Arts Gallery on December 6.
Although the book is apolitical, it resonates with past and contemporary historical events across neutral political spaces.
In the book, Ndlovu argues that the process of changing the status quo is long and winding and predates recorded history. He says that different societies and individuals have, throughout various historical epochs, arisen with a desire to effect change to better their lives and the lives of their communities.
“The Path of a Revolutionary is an inspirational work that seeks to positively contribute to social and physical change in various socio-economic spaces of humankind.
This concise sociopolitical narrative outlines the aspects that constitute a revolution in any given society, drawing from well-recorded and even lesser-recorded historical experiences,” Ndlovu said.
The author explores the paradox of both revolution and the revolutionary. He argues from the onset that politics is akin to theatre, where performance is used to resemble a desired or undesirable reality.
He clarifies that there is a significant difference between a revolution and a revolutionary. The latter, he argues, is inspired by an inward desire to bring positive change in society during or even beyond their lifetime.
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He further notes that a revolutionary is not a person driven by greed or fame, but by a rare and conscious spirit that disregards temporary or immediate gains.
“A true revolutionary has many crosses to carry and must be able to discern truth from falsehood from a distance,” he writes.
Ndlovu outlines the role each social group plays in helping the revolutionary achieve their objective. He argues that religion has historically been a major contributor to social change, and that a revolutionary must find ways to win the church to his side in order to draw strength from its influence.
The youth, women, and the working class are presented as the glue that bonds the revolutionary to the struggle and the ultimate goal.
Ndlovu also cites notable revolutionaries such as Oliver Tambo, Benjamin Burombo, Masotsha Ndlovu, Stanley Culverwell, Aaron Jacha, and Joshua Nkomo. He notes that Tambo left his comfort zone in order to influence change from a better vantage point during apartheid-era South Africa.
The author further observes that a revolutionary may not live to tell their story, drawing a comparison to the biblical Moses, who saw the land of Canaan but was told he would not cross the Jordan.
Admission to the launch will be free, and the book will cost US$50 per copy.
“All systems are in place for the launch and I hope readers will enjoy the book and find a special place for it in their hearts,” Ndlovu told NewsDay.
