Vusi Mabena plans to grow his talents further!

By Dominique Jacobs

The multitalented author, actor and speaker Vusi Mabena recently caught up with the Mapepeza News Media teams and shared his life story with us.

Mabena was born and raised in Dennilton, Limpopo.

Later moving to Balfour Mpumalanga after matric where he did a part time course through University of Johannesburg.

Then relocating to Katlehong, in 2018 to seek better opportunities. Vusi has been living in the Ekurhuleni township ever since.

Having ambition, knowing what he wants, and surrounding himself with likeminded people has brought about all the achievements he has accomplished.

Mabena is celebrating 15 years as a writer this year.

The passion for writing started in high school. Always going the extra mile in essays and competing in poetry competitions.

Writing his first of four unreleased books in 2013 after deciding to pursue the dream of being an author seriously.

In his interview, Vusi made it known that “It is not easy when people around you don’t believe in your dreams,” especially the ones you live with.

He also used to write motivational columns for Mapepeza back in the day.

In order to fund his book campaign, Vusi started acting and has appeared as an extra on popular local soapies from Generations, The Queen to 7delaan and many other productions based in Gauteng.

One of Vusi’s biggest highlights was meeting legendary actress and director, Connie Ferguson on the set of The Queen where she encouraged him to keep believing in himself also telling him that his book “Tears of Pain” could be potentially used to produce short films on TV.

He managed to raise R16,000 from the acting gig to release his first book “Tears of Life”, printing 550 copies.

Mabena also draws inspiration from poets like Mzwake Mbuli, Zola 7, Lebo Mashile, and Ntsiki Mazwai to name a few.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, this prompted Vusi’s to release the third book titled “Tears of Pain”.

He later released a motivational book for Christians, “My Warrior Lord is my Successor and Shepard”. According to Mabena, this was made to give thanks to God for what he had done for him.

Going into society to get inspiration from people’s stories and from nature gave birth to the fifth book, “Scars and Tribulations of My Journey” he collaborated with someone to empower the individual through their life story of the war against drugs.

“Let Tomorrows Beginnings start Today” is the final book was inspired by the thoughts that humans live a procrastinated life.

Without the realization of how short life is to postpone things. He wants to encourage others to live life with the motto of “try but never try to fail, knowing you’ve tried yesterday you can fix whatever today by doing something new”.

Vusi attributes his achievements of an award-winning author, celebrating four years as a professional author, being nominated for an award in Angola later in 2023 to releasing six books working and working on a seventh to hard work and perseverance.

Vusi has sold 1180 copies of his books without it being on shelves at retail stores.

His dream is to see his books in stores and being the best poet in South Africa.

Vusi also stated: “I want to see myself as an icon and an inspiration to people for bringing change in their lives, and lastly being celebrated for turning scars to shining stars”.

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