I haven't finished reading the book yet, but so far, it has been incredibly inspiring. Even from the very first chapter Tough, it is full of events that are relatable and with raw emotions. For anyone who has faced hardships, can easily connect but even for those who have not encountered the same struggles, it just pulls you in. Again, well for me at least, it's the way you were able to captivate me as a reader. It was like euology-like experience. Reflecting on my life and the relationships that shape it.
~ Tumelo Mahanke
The book was inspirational, very informative and authentic. Not a lot of people dive deep into what shaped them or rather their experiences like you did. It's real, you touched the surface and I'm sure a lot of people relate to you. The structure of the content of the book is also exceptional! It's brief but straight to the point. Write more! Finished it in one sitting and that says a lot✨️
~ Boitumelo Mosetlhe
After reading your book, I realised it taught me two important things: never give up, and hard work pays off. I thought I knew you well — after all, I’ve been your friend for many years and watched you earn your honours despite being turned down by lecturers when you first proposed your project but the first chapter surprised me. There were so many things I didn’t know about you, and that curiosity is what made me finish the book 😅. I had promised myself I would only read the first chapter since I thought I knew you like an open book, but I couldn’t stop.
Reading the chapters made me see that I know Tebogo, but I didn’t know Tebza — Mrembola, the little kid who grew up in the dusty streets of Gomora. That side of you moved me in a way I didn’t expect. I teared up 😭😢 (yes, a man can admit that), and it wasn’t as small as I tried to pretend 😅.
Well, I am a man after all, and we call that a little 😌.
As young people approaching our late twenties we often take things for granted and laugh about everything, but your book reminded me that everything happens for a reason and that we shouldn’t take life’s moments lightly.
I don’t think you would be the Tebogo we know today if you hadn’t first been Tebza and lived through the challenges that shaped you. Those hardships are what brought out the best in you. I also want to give credit to your parents for how they raised you 🙏.
Today I’m proud to say you’re not only my friend but also my role model. I’m really looking forward to reading more of your books, Tebza — aka Mrembola 😎.
~Thato Mmotla
First things first, congratulations on the book, the idea nje of thinking about it and putting everything to make it come to life, I commend you for that njayam. What I liked was the Acronym for the word TEBZA, nice word play,
and the colour contrast of the cover page is clean. The introduction helped me get to know you better as an individual. Although we knew each other from school, there was a lot I learned about your childhood that I wasn't previously aware of, such as your spirituality and your belief in God. I have known you for some time, and I never knew that much about you, your struggles, setbacks, and your overall personality and the drive behind TEBOGO. I guess now it makes sense why you have the spirit of pushing ungapheli umoya, which I admire about you. My highlight was being given an honorable mention, Njayam, you have no idea how much it means, let alone, I didn't know how much my presence meant, but I really appreciate it dawg.
So far I'm loving the book, it is easy to read, simple enough English for people to digest, interesting stories and build up to keep a reader engaged, bars on bars with quotable, references (pics) to paint a picture for the reader to have a visual representation of what and who you talking about, proper length of the chapters and the overall book is not too long to be easily finished just eix we hardly have time cz I like to read and take notes. For your first book, you have done well Njayam, I'm super proud of you. Thank you for inspiring us, showing us it is possible to follow a dream, thank you for allowing us into your world. 🍻 to more books to come 🫡
Overall rating: 8/10 (so far)
Reason: Some stories I feel like they can be expanded even further but I get why they were not.
~Rifumo Malope
The author beautifully captures his growing-up experience and brings it to life on the pages. For those of us who grew up alongside Tebza, it was even more amusing to revisit those moments we witnessed with our own eyes. And for those who never knew him as a child, the story offers a rare glimpse into his journey, making the experience just as vivid.
This is a lovely novel that not only reflects where Tebza comes from but also shows how hard he fought to become the person he is today. An inspiring and heartfelt read.
~Elias Mashala
You know you wrote a good book, I was unable to finish it because it makes me cry when I read it. I became sad because I thought I was protecting you from bullying.
~Refiloe Mosetlhe
I finished the book last night 😭 ✨ I enjoyed it, sooo many good laughs, I love that you made it relatable for the reader, the way it was written was if though you are speaking directly to me. So much I did not know about you and wasn’t expecting 😩👏🏼! can’t wait for a second one 😜
~Malikah Hendricks
The book is very well written with regards to how you were able to portray almost every part of your life in it. The humour and how you carried the reader along made the reading worthwhile.
With the book I was able to see you and what you had to go through to be where you are today, and that makes the book special in my eyes.
It can easily spark something positive in someone who’s just starting out a new journey in their life 🤞🏾
~Tsietsi Ramosedi
Firstly, dynamite comes in small packages.... Read the 1st chapter, not yet chapter 2. I'll be providing feedback per chapters as they are long, detailed and meaningful 😂😂 From the background, I can say it's relatable. 70% of your chapter 1 is almost similar to mine. Bullying and gangsterism definitely. I appreciate your appreciation by drawing lessons from it and try to do better while growing up. The football part where parents got involved to put studies first....I went through the same part, in fact it's partly the reason I don't watch soccer today...full match that...cz I so believe I calculated to do better.... Porn grade 7 also...mina I would watch with my school friends, especially leaving school early after writing exams😂😂😂😂struggle of black boys till today thanks to phones. Social media... Will pop in with my chapter 2 review soonest 😉
~Zwelakhe Galela
Just finished the book. It was very inspiring. I was teary when you explained how you passed your honours degree, that was a very hard journey. You never gave up and didn't let your mentors discourage you one but. Your life has been journey and I am happy to have read all about it, I feel like I know you more than ever now. Your parents are the best. Also the past is behind us, you told a story the way you knew it was best to get to people and that was your story to tell my dear. I wish you nothing but the best in all you do, and keep up that energy. You are going far in life, no doubt about that👌🏽👌🏽You are a ⭐ ⭐ proud to call you my friend
~Motshete Mailula
The book is amazing, I love that you share your childhood memories and the challenges you faced to become this successful. It shows that hard work does pay off and through. I love the sense of humor in the book as well.
~Lamees Marais
What makes this book so powerful is the author's unflinching honesty and vulnerability. From the very first page, I was completely captivated by Tebza's incredible journey. His story isn't just a series of events; it's a deeply personal and emotionally raw account of resilience, hope, and the human spirit. I found myself laughing, crying, and cheering him on. It's a poignant reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is light to be found. A truly unforgettable read that will stay with you long after you've finished the last page.
~Abraar Jacobs
Siyabonga nge ncwadi. Very inspiring, and it is going to change people's lives, mine included ✊🏿
~Bhekumusa Sikhakhane
Call Me Tebza is a personal, self-development, and inspirational journey. It's a good read for anyone seeking motivation and practical advice on navigating life's challenges.
~Thembile Langa
Your book is nice and short. It motivates and gives hope/self confidence to those who are being bullied. You managed to show how parental guidance play a huge role on a child's future and mental wellness. Mfana I had a full view or video playing on my mind while reading this book because I know 70% of the things which you spoke about on that book and i saw them. I even know the unnamed characters 😂
~Murendeni Manenzhe
The book actually showed me a different perspective that I didn’t know despite us growing up together.💔 Overall shows how the township doesn’t shape people how we always thought it does. The challenges we face can either build us to be better people or destroy us.
~Tshiamo Moeketsi
Tebza's book is one of being broken, rebuilt, and finding strength again. This book doesn’t just tell his journey, it invites you to walk alongside him through the struggles, the victories, and the lessons learned along the way. What makes it beautiful to read is the way he writes with honesty and a lot of hope, reminding us that even in our imperfections, God’s love and grace never fail. Reading it kinda felt like listening to a friend who has been through it all and still chooses to rise. It’s motivating, uplifting, and a beautiful reminder that no matter where you are in life, your story has purpose.
~Tshepo Zondi
Reading this book gave me a deeper understanding of you, helping me appreciate you even more as a friend and brother. It beautifully captures the journey that eventually led us to pursue the same dream together at the University of Johannesburg. What stood out most was how open and “naked” you were in your storytelling courageously revealing the uncomfortable truths of your past. That vulnerability reflects true strength of character. I also believe this book will inspire younger readers who look up to you. It carries a powerful message "if you can dream it, you can achieve it". Through this book, you have shown and proven that, despite the challenges you faced.
~Glad Mpala
Well the book was quite inspiration , learning that one can use life challenges to pave a great journey ahead . When you mention the bullying you experienced and name calling and how you use that and channeling it to something positive it’s something I think we all need to learn we often focus on the the negative and how it impacts our self esteem forgetting that it might lead us to something positive . Book was well structured, the language used was even great.
~Thembinkosi Mokoko
Reading this book gave me a deeper understanding of you, helping me appreciate you even more as a friend and brother. It beautifully captures the journey that eventually led us to pursue the same dream together at the University of Johannesburg. What stood out most was how open and “naked” you were in your storytelling courageously revealing the uncomfortable truths of your past. That vulnerability reflects true strength of character. I also believe this book will inspire younger readers who look up to you. It carries a powerful message "if you can dream it, you can achieve it". Through this book, you have shown and proven that, despite the challenges you faced.
~Glad Mpala
Call me Tebza is an insight into the life of Tebogo Mosetlhe. This coming of age journey is underpinned by hardship, but also a zestful urge to succeed all narrated in the unique style of Tebogo. Through it's 5 chapters, Tebza takes us through the highs and lows of growing up in an township and the heights that can be achieved from humble beginnings. He has penned a motivational epic all the while sticking to his theme of being Tough enough, bold, zestful and authentic. Each chapter is carefully crafted to tell it's own story and takes us through a distinct phase of Tebza's life while accompanying pictures add credence to his tale. The point of view descriptions make as if you are living the journey right alongside Tebza. All the combine to make "Call me Tebza" a compelling read.
~Deshan Murugan
Despite the different backgrounds and starter packs we’re given as children, Tebza beautifully illustrates just how small the world really is, especially when it comes to the shared experiences of black boys growing up. From the way our parents raised us to become the children they wished for, to the confusing journey of understanding our hormones during adolescence, Tebza captures the eerie similarities in our upbringing. He doesn’t shy away from detailing the negative influences we encountered, often when we were least prepared to face them. What stands out is how Tebza managed to rise above those challenges once he reached an age where he was no longer fully dependent on adults.
This is significant, considering how closely his story mirrors the experiences of many men and women who, sadly, didn’t overcome similar obstacles. His autobiography is filled with powerful stories of how he conquered anxiety and carved out a space, and a name, for himself. He often placed himself in situations he never imagined he’d be in, and that journey becomes more captivating with every page. I highly recommend this book, if only for Tebza’s unwavering “pick yourself up every time you fall” mentality. His writing is not only a confidence booster, but also a source of genuine inspiration.
~Bahle Ngoma