Pato pens story of forgiveness and hope

“At 30 years old, I’m finally holding my dream in my hands,” said Khayelitsha writer Mandilakhe Pato, who will launch his debut novel, Forgive Me Peter, at Cape Town’s Central Library this Saturday, 26 July.

The event marks the culmination of nearly a decade's work, he said. 

The book — originally written in isiXhosa and later translated into English — is a powerful exploration of family trauma, told through the voice of a mother seeking forgiveness from the father of her children. It reflects the painful cycles of abuse and neglect that Mr Pato witnessed growing up in the Eastern Cape and later in Khayelitsha - communities where children’s suffering often goes unseen.

“Forgive Me Peter is more than a book. It’s a message to parents — to love, support, and truly see their children before it’s too late,” he said.

Mr Pato began writing poems as a child, but a 2006 encounter with a library book about a child’s love for an abusive mother sparked a story idea that stayed with him for years. The final push came when a close friend’s life mirrored the scenes he once read about, prompting him to begin writing seriously.

Years later, witnessing a similar situation unfold in a close friend’s life inspired him to begin writing.

The process, he said, was far from easy.

In 2019, Mr Pato began working with Nkuthalo Publishers and its founder, Nkuthalo Tyutulo, to translate his isiXhosa manuscript into English.

“Translating from isiXhosa was the hardest part. Our language is rich and layered, and some phrases just don’t work the same in English,” he said.

Despite challenges and long delays, Mr Pato saw his efforts pay off last month when he received the first printed copy of his book — a moment he described as surreal.

Currently studying to become a management assistant, Mr Pato said storytelling remains his true calling. He’s already working on his next book, which will explore women’s experiences in the cycles of poverty and social injustice.

His advice to aspiring writers is simple: “Brainstorm your ideas, commit to the process, and never settle until your final draft speaks your truth.”

Copies of Forgive Me Peter can be ordered directly from Pato by calling 078 339 4811 or emailing mandilakheauthor@outlook.com.