SANAC Celebrates the Launch of Prof. Mbulelo Dyasi’s Inspiring Memoir, Dignity in the Darkness
- Simangaliso Motsepe
In a day filled with heartfelt stories, powerful reflections, and a shared commitment for hope, Professor Mbulelo Dyasi, National Chairperson of SANERELA, part of SANAC’s Civil Society Forum Faith-Based Sector, unveiled his memoir, Dignity in the Darkness: A Journey of Resilience, Resistance, and Redemption: Divine Restoration: Embracing Healing and Faith.
Hosted at the Gauteng Department of Economic Development in Johannesburg on 25 July 2025, the event drew an audience that included the Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Steve Letsike, alongside a range of distinguished guests inclusive of Princess Ndileka Mandela, the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela. The programme blended celebration with substance, featuring the Peace and Humanitarian Awards Ceremony and an engaging dialogue session that sparked meaningful conversations.
Reflecting on the journey undertaken to bring to life this book, Prof. Dyasi shared that he intentionally wrote his memoir in simple, accessible English, so that anyone, from any walk of life, could connect with its message. His aim: to encourage boys and couples to talk openly about life’s challenges without fear, shame, or stigma. The book, he explained, is deeply emotional and rooted in his own journey, proof that it is possible to overcome a difficult upbringing and still find success in life.
He recalled moments from the writing process, including a memorable and slightly nerve-wrecking incident on a flight from Cape Town when he accidentally deleted the pages he’d been working on. Instead of despairing, he rewrote them from scratch, determined to preserve the essence of the original manuscript.
Speaking on behalf of SANAC CEO, Communications Manager Nelson Dlamini described the memoir as “more than just pages bound together, it is a legacy, a window into a life, and a gift to all those who’ve walked this journey with you.” He praised Prof. Dyasi’s gift for storytelling, noting that Dignity in the Darkness captures not just events but the very spirit that makes his life extraordinary.
Prof. Dyasi’s memoir courageously explores his personal history, recounting the trauma of sexual abuse he experienced early in life and how those painful experiences shaped his mission to guide young people towards making safer choices. The book also addresses the tragic loss of young boys in initiation schools. Through initiatives such as the BetterMen4Tomorrow campaign, he aims to foster open dialogue, raise awareness, and safeguard future generations
Beyond the book launch, the event honoured individuals who embody the spirit of Ubuntu, people who give selflessly, empower communities, and advance peace and humanitarian efforts. In sharing his story, Prof. Dyasi offers readers more than a personal testimony, he delivers a call to live with dignity, speak with honesty, and face life’s shadows with unwavering courage.