BOOK REVIEW: The Traveller – Crossing Borders and Connecting Africa by Thebe Ikalafeng

Thebe Ikalafeng’s The Traveller – Crossing Borders and Connecting Africa is more than an autobiography—it is an invaluable gift to Africa and the world. Through his journey, Ikalafeng inspires young boys and girls in townships and villages to believe that they, too, can conquer the world. His storytelling flows like a simple, melodious song, nurturing the mind and the inquisitive soul with insights about life, dreams, and perseverance.

Ikalafeng, a world-renowned branding icon and corporate marketing executive, belongs to the generation of Black South Africans who, for the first time post apartheid, meaningfully participated in the economy—occupying positions that apartheid had long denied them. Embracing winds of change looming in the late 80s, he pursued higher education abroad, completing two degrees in less than a record time, much to the amazement of his peers. His story reflects an unwavering resolve to break through societal barriers, embodying the power of education, opportunity, and vision.

Though Ikalafeng grew up without a father, with some potential father figures in his life falling prey to the pressures of alcoholism, he did not allow these circumstances to define his future. Instead, he transformed these challenges into sources of strength, building himself into a confident young leader. His early struggles fostered a resilience that would become one of his defining traits. Refusing to be limited by his environment, Ikalafeng developed an unrelenting zest for life, a sharp mind, and an ambitious spirit. These qualities shaped him into an astute young man determined to carve a path of success for himself, even in spaces where his presence had previously been unimaginable.

A key turning point in his youth came when he took on his first job as a gardener at the age of 14. Although his mother, a professional nurse, provided for the family, Ikalafeng was determined to earn his own money. In a quiet but symbolic act of resistance, he defied the apartheid custom of addressing white employers as “Baas,” choosing instead to call his employer “Meneer.” This early assertion of dignity was a glimpse into the principled character and sense of self-worth that would guide him throughout his life.

With his first wages, Ikalafeng bought a camera, which he used to earn extra income by taking photographs of community members, and a suitcase, which would become the symbol of his lifelong passion for travel. This suitcase set him on a journey across the African continent, eventually leading him to visit all 54 countries, as well as others across six continents. His travels were not just physical; they were a journey of self-discovery and a mission to connect with Africa and the world at large.

At the core of Ikalafeng’s journey is his deep love for Africa. This passion drove him to establish the non-profit Brand Africa initiative, a movement that launched a brand-led African renaissance. Through this platform, Ikalafeng has championed the importance of crafting positive narratives about the continent, fostering unity, and positioning African brands as essential contributors to the global economy. His work reflects his belief that Africa’s future lies in its ability to tell its own story, driven by innovation, pride, and economic empowerment.

The Traveller offers more than a personal memoir—it is a blueprint for young Africans daring to dream beyond the limitations of their circumstances. Ikalafeng’s reflections transcend individual success, inviting readers to consider the value of identity, self-determination, and embracing opportunities. His life is a testament to the idea that one’s beginnings do not define one’s destiny; rather, resilience, humility, and ambition are what pave the way forward.

Ultimately, The Traveller – Crossing Borders and Connecting Africa is a story of triumph and a call to action. With its blend of inspiring life lessons and profound African pride, Ikalafeng’s journey offers hope and guidance to anyone seeking to connect, explore, and transform the world through perseverance and purpose.

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Chepape Makgato is an independent visual artist, theatre producer, arts writer, educator, curator, and researcher. He is the founder and creative director of Samanthole Institute of Creative Arts which leads the Art Focus of Univeristy of Limpopo's FNB Incubation Program. Chepape is a Chief  Curator of William Humphreys Art Gallery, in Kimberley, Northern Cape. He holds a Master's Degree in Fine Art from the University of the Witwatersrand and has exhibited his work locally and internationally. He is currently completing a PhD in the Art and Music Department at the University of South Africa. He is a deputy chairperson of South African Museums Association Central (Free State and Northern Cape provinces). He serves on the panel of Acquisition Committee of ArtBank South Africa. He is the the chief patron of Khehla Chepape Makgato Youth Libraries. He is the Research Fellow in the Department of Heritage Studies at the University of Sol Plaatje in Kimberley, Northern Cape.