READALONG: ‘Wisani and the Bafokeng Brothers’ by Thandi Moagi

Sacred loyalty, unshaken love that runs deep, and crafting a powerful legacy, Wisani and the Bafokeng Brothers portrays how it is done. – Takalani M

“Sweetheart,” he says, using his dramatic gay best friend lecturing tone . . . “a man like that? You smash and move on. You don’t marry the gangster. Most definitely he has a wife in the rurals ploughing his mealies and waiting for his pension money.”

Wisani Maluleke is studying at Wits and juggling three jobs to keep the lights on while caring for her bedridden mother and her younger brother. Life in Soweto has made her tough and resilient, but she’s stretched to breaking point until her research project leads her to the Bafokeng brothers, heirs to the feared and legendary Marashea underworld.

At the heart of this brotherhood is Mohapi Mofokeng: commanding, and dangerous. Wisani is pulled into a world of secrets, shadows and blood loyalty. Between survival, love, and the weight of her family’s struggles, Wisani must decide whether to walk away, or stand with the brothers who could destroy her or save her. A story of power and love, a clash between honour and desire. Set in Soweto and Lesotho.

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