Image: Eusebius McKaiser on Twitter

There were record numbers of people buying books at the launch of Redi Tlhabi’s new book Khwezi: The Remarkable Story of Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo last night.

The response to the event at Hyde Park Exclusive Books was so overwhelming that the launch was moved to an open area in the mall downstairs. Over 700 people attended the launch, and over 400 books were sold – virtually unheard of for a local author.

The book has become an overnight bestseller and is about to go into its third print run after just two weeks on the shelves.

Tlhabi was in conversation with Eusebius McKaiser about the book (video below), which gives voice to the late Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo, better known as Khwezi, the woman who accused Jacob Zuma of rape in 2006 and was vilified as a result.

Tlhabi is donating all proceeds from the book to Kuzwayo’s family.

Famous faces in the crowd included Economic Freedom Fighters spokesman Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, DJ Fresh, politician and activist Ronnie Kasrils, Political analyst Professor, social activist Mark Heywood, Tinyiko Maluleke and Comrades Marathon legend Bruce Fordyce – who waited two-and-a-half hours to get his book signed.

This is for a book launch (book about the life of Zuma's alleged rape victim; now late) in Johannesburg. Yo. #Khwezi Images: @Eusebius pic.twitter.com/IlcfF8WyzV

— Africa Is a Country (@africasacountry) September 27, 2017

 

My friend Redi Tlhabi overhwelmed by the love and turnout. 100s of people. WELL DESERVED!!! #Khwezi pic.twitter.com/v5AVjZrssu

— Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius) September 27, 2017

https://www.facebook.com/ExclusiveBooks/videos/10155920401640559/

Well done @RediTlhabi on an awesome launch!! Nicely facilitated @Eusebius!! #Khwezi pic.twitter.com/VtEQCWISSJ

— DJ Fresh (Big Dawg) (@DJFreshSA) September 27, 2017

Wow what a HUGE crowd turnout for Redi Tlhabi's #Khwezi book launch! @Eusebius is doing an amazing interview! pic.twitter.com/3w20gcxrS8

— Aki Anastasiou (@AkiAnastasiou) September 27, 2017

4 hours later and I can go home. Around 500 books sold tonight ALONE. #Khwezi – the number 1 selling book currently in SA. Take a bow, Redi! pic.twitter.com/1REuauPjIK

— Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius) September 27, 2017

INSANE energy!!! This is the view from the front…. magod! #Khwezi pic.twitter.com/9atfNMCyZr

— Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius) September 27, 2017

Redi Tlhabi is STILL signing books.. as I type! Legendary Bruce Fordyce waited 2 hours and 30 minutes for his book to be signed #Khwezi pic.twitter.com/6vfyKSdjDT

— Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius) September 27, 2017

Here at the launch of #Khwezi. Congratulations to Redi, but also we thank her for giving Fezi a voice. We are here to listen even to her 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/6WazGTvNHy

— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) September 27, 2017

https://twitter.com/Eusebius/status/913115213444059136

Book lovers times 500! #Khwezi pic.twitter.com/ZaqFOgkah6

— Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius) September 27, 2017

#RediTlhabi in conversation with @Eusebius about her brilliant and heartbreaking book on #FezekaKuzwayo pic.twitter.com/zfOKSTRz5q

— Karyn Maughan (@karynmaughan) September 27, 2017

Ps Redi Tlhabi is not keeping any of the money she is making from this book. All of it is going to Fezekile's family. #Khwezi pic.twitter.com/ZtjLMlV1nE

— Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius) September 27, 2017

#Khwezi – book launch of the year. The hacker is probably lurking in the crowe somewhere 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/POT5kCHFfu

— Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius) September 27, 2017

#Khwezi

What an evening!

Still trying to be #RediThlabi groupies pic.twitter.com/hbxWqCIvLo

— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) September 27, 2017

https://twitter.com/_Dame_/status/913091240916373504

Hyde Park is shook! Too packed for words, books are flying off the tables like they're being given for free. Wow! 🙌🏾🇿🇦✊🏾#RediTlhabi #Khwezi pic.twitter.com/jaWqvrbKNV

— Rami Chuene (@ramichuene) September 27, 2017

https://twitter.com/LaMaZingMedia/status/913303653540417536

https://twitter.com/LaMaZingMedia/status/913303653540417536

Categories Non-fiction South Africa

Tags Book events Book launches Eusebius McKaiser Exclusive Books Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo Jacob Zuma Khwezi Redi Tlhabi