Unjani Mfwethu
R260,00
This book brings to light the lived experiences of migrants in South Africa, and across the world. It tells the story of one man, as he navigates the issues of race, xenophobia, faith, friendship, kindness, love, nation-building and political diplomacy.
520 in stock
Description
The UN Migration Agency (IOM) defines a migrant as any person who is moving or has moved across an international border or within a state away from their habitual place of residence, regardless of (1) the person’s legal status; (2) whether the movement is voluntary or involuntary; (3) what the causes for the movement are; or (4) what the length of the stay is.
This book brings to light the lived experiences of migrants in South Africa, and across the world. It tells the story of one man, as he navigates the issues of race, xenophobia, faith, friendship, kindness, love, nation-building and political diplomacy.
About the author
Ayodeji Olaifa is an esteemed well-travelled professional in the banking industry and author who enjoys telling stories that impact our world.
36 reviews for Unjani Mfwethu
| 5 star | 77% | |
| 4 star | 19% | |
| 3 star | 2% | |
| 2 star | 0% | |
| 1 star | 0% |
Amanda –
Not yet really. But are these accounts real or is there more of a story behind it. Is this actually your story?
Good morning.
Hahaha. What do you think ?
No just tell me.
It’s my story
Is there any fiction ?
It’s incredulous?
Are you still in contact with the original Sa friends?
Yep
The ones you stayed with?
Yes all of them
Well yes and no.
ESP now that i am back in Pretotia
I know. Even I can’t believe some anymore
Well that is the strange part for me and a part I thought might make it fiction
Yeah
I always knew you were a Christian but I did not realize the foundation to everything
But I am happy to learn it now.
I can sit here and read(it is lunchtime) and see how so many of these events have shaped you and your drive.
What happened to the German lady and her “boyfriend “
Fulu –
It’s thought-provoking
Really interesting because I’ve never seen or experienced South Africa in that light.
Well done on the book, it’s well written and reveals an outstanding character. 👏🏿
Refiloe –
Wow Mr D J!
This chapter was so insightful. Thank you for sharing. I am sorry for the xenophobic and racist experiences you had over the years. The unnecessary malice and suspicion by the HR team at Stanbic Lagos with their “routine credentials’ review” was the limit. As for the incompetence of your alma mater! Shocking. I never thought your fellow Nigerians would do that.
When will it be published? I can’t wait for the book launch, your first public reading and signing. This is a story that must be told. I know it was a labour of love and it took courage and patience for you to pen it. My favourite quote is: “when you exist in a space that wasn’t built to accommodate you, being you is the revolution.”
Dapo shared –
A luta continua and well done my friend!
I’m very proud of you.
Gbamsolutely! Sinking my teeth into it already, very captivating and well written. Hooked and can’t wait to finish it.Congrats again bro🎉
🏅
Alas! It’s not about politics it’s about learning the art of a migrant mind… Grab your cooy on amazon it’s less than 4,000 Naira…. Supoort the work of your own person if you don’t read, let someone read… Just do it Like NIKE…😀…. Buy for someone … learn the art of doing and not talking…😀.
gboli –
True bro, it’s in doing, walking the talk. It’s our story together, London, South Africa, America you name it. Had to be told, love it!!!
Yemisi –
I Done reading. Wow! What a journey? Bravo bro, all perfectly stated👌
I pray that the Lord will continue to sustain us thru it all, at every phases of our lives. Our stories must continually end in praise…🏆🎉🎈Shalom!
Thandi –
You welcome. Im busy reading. Awesome cover!!!!! Very inspirational
Very very good read. Motivational. Should publish in many other AfricAn languages (
Wow D….👏🏽👏🏽
I just finished your book. I am so incredibly proud of you for telling your story. Sending much love to you!
Thandi –
You welcome. Im busy reading. Awesome cover!!!!! Very inspirational
Very very good read. Motivational. Should publish in many other AfricAn languages
Wow D….👏🏽👏🏽
I just finished your book. I am so incredibly proud of you for telling your story. Sending much love to you!
Serikiti –
I didn’t know that a person can be a Major in Finance and still be a great author.
Anyway please deep you fingers in cooking oil or fine wheat flour. Rub your thumb against all the fingers. Feel how smooth it is? Such is the texture of your writing. I love your first days in Pretoria. Your arrival from the Airport staright into Rhema Bible Church. Your friends Dominique and Ola. Your grouchy landlady Serikiti.
mr Donga –
This is gking to be quite some read.
Thumbs up so far. I love to be captivated by my author.
Execuse my manners Sir. Good morning. Just the book is more than I was bargaing for. I expected it to be at your level but your are exceeding yourself here.
I thought that one day I will write my life story but reading this is making realise that I need to probably do it orally and ask someone else to pen it for me. I could never have this level of clarity of thought, flowing and captivating.
You are taking me back to the “The River between & Things fall apart. And in modern day time Americanah”
If its a Nigerian thing; then be reminded I was born on the 1st October 1972. I shoukd belong there.
Anne –
DJ good morning
I am so excited I cannot tell you. I got a message to say my book, signed by the famous DJ is being delivered today. I cannot wait to get it and start reading the copy in my hands. Super super super super super proud of you DJ – I always knew you were going to go far. Well done indeed. 😘😘😘😘😘
Babalwa –
Hey
Quite interesting hey and gives a different perspective (which I’ve become privy to in one way or the other) to the struggles of foreigners in our land. I was quite intrigued by your journey and realize that we all have a story to tell. Still reading but had to put it down as difficult as it was as I had a tight schedule to submit assignments over the past week 😊
But wow really enjoy your witty and captivating storytelling technique 💯😍
Gerhard –
Wow… I just finished your book. To think that I worked with you for a few years and never knew anything about your past ( selling perfume!) and they way you experienced South Africa… and the many places you stayed in the beginning…..then how you ( very deservingly) were able to tick the R40 000+ box at the end.😊.
My dad is an immigrant and never shared his stories with us… and hopefully this will inspire him to share his story as well. Your relationship with your God is also inspiring and I already shared your story with Candice.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us… I bring a sense of pride to hear of your success.
Well done.
Buks –
Dejoooossssskkkkiiiiii
I’m gbaduning the book baje
Oloyin ni
Very revealing and humbling
Kudos bro!!
You must write part two oooo
amele –
Enunciation and Speech control got me rolling on the floor
Finished reading…. Very intriguing read…. Master class experience and very genuine I realistic.
I would call later today to discuss it at great length. May Allah’s grace continues to be your guide.
Good morning.
Sean –
Brilliant, Brilliant Book!
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2021
This book reveals the power of hope, faith, perseverance and hard work through a journey that has the ability to break one’s soul. It is hilariously refreshing and will truly captivate your attention till the last word. If you are a prospective migrant planning on moving or if you are already on the move or even settled, I will highly recommend this book. Great great work.
Bisola –
Wealth of information
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2021
I started reading this book on Saturday afternoon(second day that it came out) and could not put it down and then when I finished, I kept thinking about everything in the book.The author’s journey of friendship, faith, sacrifice, and resilience cannot be overlooked.This book will give anyone who read it some insight into top problems for immigrants. The book is a real eye- opener! even when you think you have seen it all. It contains wealth of information that you may not find anywhere else until you read this book. Everyone who read this book will pick something out of it. Kudos to the author.
Natalie –
I loved, loved,loved this book. The simplicity of your writing, your honest reflection of your struggles and how it impacted you on a personal, social and economic level.
Your opinion about the country. I actually expected you be way more critical of the realities of South Africa, but you criticized in a very diplomatic way. I love the that you did not generalize as you mentioned specific examples of your Xenophobic experiences.
Michael –
The most important thing is that it is your story. The bonus is if it impacts someone else ….
Ananda –
Difficult conversations around race
Racism sorry
Wanted to know for instance if I would have preferred the security patrol guy to not tell me about someone in front of my property.
It was a light bulb moment fir her too
When I asked isn’t there a way the security guy could have passed the same info
In a different way ?
Without saying a black man is in front of my ptoperty
I am impressed
The book is thought provoking
She said she truly wouldn’t be able to imagine it as a white person.
bukss –
But I have to give you kudos!!! Your memory is sharp and illuminating. I’m learning a lot from the book. It should be a hand book on turning adversity to advantage. And a learners’ guide on how to go from surviving to living in South Africa!!
Anne –
Hello DJ.
It was so nice to see you on the teams session last night and to see all the lovely people supporting you. I couldn’t see their faces but of course I could see that there were lots of people online. I am on page 47 of your book now. Gosh it makes for interesting reading. The one thing I have realised DJ is that there are prejudices in every group of people as well as in every class.Some worse than others!
As I have been reading, I have had many memories flashing back of prejudices that I have struggled with throughout my childhood and working career, because I did not come from the right background and because I did not have a degree. When I think about all the challenges and obstacles that I’ve had to overcome in my life, I wonder why it is that life has to be so unfair. We are all God’s children and therefore we should all be equal!
Yety –
Thank you again for the invite. It was so lovely to see you, Yety and the children.
Awwww. So deep from the heart. Brilliant. She connected on a personal level. Your book is thought provoking and somewhat healing baby. Making people know their struggles are not unique. Everyone just wants a fair chance, unjani mfwethu!
Annonymous –
Our lives our inextricably woven as our stories. When the bible says do good to the poor. You never know the extent to which your kind act could lift another up and propel them to achieve their own destiny
Annonymous –
Hi Dj, I just finished reading your book🙌🏽🙌🏽. I agree with Sharon it must be continued 👌🏽👌🏽You have told your story in such a beautiful meaningful way. Humble, subtle yet so firm🙌🏽🙌🏽.
Annonymous –
Throughout your journey God has just elevated you to become the best version of yourself. I can relate to some of what you experienced when white people say “you are different”.
When I stayed in Joburg the Sotho/tswana ladies would get so irritated at retail shops once they learn you don’t understand their language. It was such a huge awakening of how badly your fellow African can treat you🙆🏾♀️. It’s embarrassing🤭🤦🏾♀️
It’s also interesting on the comments that Lonwabo has to put up with when medically treating a “white” patient. They are so insulting. Do you know that up to today it’s still an issue for them to operate patients at St Georges Hospital. All black specialists are at Mercantile and yet they fall under the same Life Hospital Group.
We all remain hopeful that our children are going to correct this when it’s their time but unfortunately the huge inequalities of our countries remains the biggest challenge.
Our current political climate is not looking good also. We live in a country of individuals who are so entitled. Up to today some are still waiting for free houses promised by government🤭. I mean even that model created a lazy nation. Anyways I can go on and on.
Bunny –
Wow I absolutely loved reading your book DJ. Your experiences moulded you into becoming an even better person. I’m so inspired🙏🏾🙏🏾Even though I knew your story but I wasn’t aware of the depth of some of your struggles. Maybe I had forgotten🤣🤣🤦🏾♀️. You are too successful now😄
I hope you bump into Bongani one day🤗
The university incident left me so livid😡Shows how sick some people are but I’m glad you got to address in your time.
Such a gentleman you are DJ. I’m so glad our paths crossed. Continue shinning✨✨✨Some of us look up to you🙏🏾I’m so honored to be your friend🙏🏾
Annonymous –
So proud of you DJ… It was a long weekend so I only picked it up this evening after my initial read. I couldn’t put it down…
I’ve seen my part in d book already
I organized d fake travellers cheque u travelled with
Another feature was ur experience at RCCG Ojodu Berger
I was there also
I’ve nt been able to drop d book since I started reading it
And I can relate very deeply
With lots of us back here feeling uve made it
Dt u entered was like winning a lottery
What u went thru in Nigeria is worse than Xenophobia
Thanks for a well written, funny and thoughtful provoking,inspiring book. Just read it again and was not bored. Proud of my baby. Thank God for a success story
Sine –
Deji!! I read Unjani Mfewthu and I’m almost finished it in one sitting!!
Congratulations on a riveting story! I had no idea of your journey
I’m so happy for you – and everything you have achieved. Dominique 😂😂 funny man!
And come to think of if – you do look like baby face!
Anyway – I’m going to finish the last few pages tonight
But you meet people and only see the success. I’m really glad I got to read your story and understand what it took to ge to KFW. So so crazy!
From Sunnyside to The V&A waterfront… 👌🏾👌🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Refiloe –
God has really rewarded your faith, hard work and dedication my friend. I am very proud of your journey and know that you will continue to soar to greater heights
My favourite line in UNJANI MFWETHU will always be:
“When you exist in a space that was not built to accommodate you, being you is the revolution”.
UNJANI MFWETHU reminded me of a line from Paulo Coelho’s THE ALCHEMIST
“Everything that happens once can never happen again. But everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time.”
I couldn’t help but notice the repetition of certain themes:
1. When the marketing survey asked about people’s income (which was introduced in the prologue and concluded in the epilogue).
I wonder if that young man who was gobsmacked at your monthly income, proceeded to work his way to the +R40K per month income bracket too?
2. The Standard Bank graduate application which was prompted by the UNISA student whose disposition you liked. And how you went on to lead the bank’s West Africa division.
3. The marketing agency that was looking to expand to Nigeria and how, after pitching it to Allan Gray, this objective was achieved through Standard Bank.
All in God’s time. All in God’s way.
Michelle phd –
I loved the book.
Once I started reading I didn’t want to put it down
And once I was finished reading it I didn’t want it to end… I wanted to read more about your life now 😊
In the beginning it felt like you and I were chatting and I was learning all these things about my friend that didn’t know previously.
I didn’t know the history of how you came to South Africa and the struggles and challenges you faced
In fact when I met you there was nothing that made me think your life wasn’t always like this and if I think about that I think it speaks to how well you overcame your struggles and put your tough past behind you while you took charge of your future.
I admire your strength, resilience, patience and perseverance. Mostly I admire your faith and trusting that God has you there for a reason and that all will work out as it is meant to be. My beliefs are similar so maybe why that stood out for me.
I was fascinated by your journey into Finance and proud of the achievement of getting into Allan Gray.
The fact that you prioritised your studies despite the challenges you faced speaks volumes of your need to grow and develop yourself.
I wanted to hear more about your experiences and your thoughts around the xenophobia both from a personal and general perspective. I think this stems largely from my own identity challenges.. even though I am a 4th generation South African there’s the ever constant anti Indian sentiment and the “go back to India” rhetoric.
I love how you ended the book .. coming full circle. It speaks volumes of your achievement while remaining humble and wanting to give back.
I can’t wait to read more from you.
Annonymous –
around, given the country’s current standpoint. I will include it on Feb’s list, as we have processed all applications for Jan.
I really enjoyed the read though. The humour was not lost on me either, and I appreciate how you were able to make light of some of the challenges you faced. It is informative not only to foreign nationals, but to SA citizens as well!
Annonymous –
Done bro..God has His ways all the time..Chapter 5 is hilarious Xenophobia,racism and work and you kill me with the security call you that the black man is at you gate and the way you respond..but my scarring part is when you are bck home and now facing you qualification sag..and how God came in..I learned bro..Thank for sharing your story 🙏🙏🙏
Annonymous –
It’s a great read! Thank you for making it an easy to read book.
I initially thought it was centered around xenophobia so I was a bit skeptical about reading; (I only read/watch comedy not anything that will make me sad,there’s enough trouble in the world already 😁).
It’s a book that gives HOPE! And very timely in these times when everyone is leaving Nigeria
There was a scene where dogs were close to chasing him and his friends bolted;
Another part where he was on the train with his friend and they had no tickets 🤣. I laughed hard.
I loved it🙌🙌🙌
Annonymous –
Officially done reading Unjani Mfowethu. Great book that is easy to read and relate to. Hid has seen you through a lot Ayo and your story had to be shared. Your faith, resilience, perseverance and hard work comes through the book. 🙌🏾🙌🏾
Annonymous –
Hello DJ. I hope you are doing well bro. Your book bro! It is a true inspiration of persistence, continuous improvement, courage and fundamentals of humanity and ethics. I wish it was the size of an encyclopedia. Thank you so much for this gift of life.