KNYSNA NEWS - An aspiring local writer, Ralph Stander from Hornlee, is elated after the Western Cape premier, Alan Winde, endorsed his forthcoming book, Breaking the Skarrel, and agreed to write the foreword.

Stander had the privilege of presenting the manuscript to Winde during the premier's visit to Knysna last week. He described the endorsement as a significant milestone in his writing journey - one he never imagined possible.

"Today [Wednesday 10 June], I had the immense honour of presenting the manuscript for my new book, Breaking the Skarrel, directly to Western Cape Premier Alan Winde," said Stander. "As the premier noted, we must understand the journey of our people as we move forward. Our stories, our struggles and our solutions are finally being recognised at the highest levels of leadership."

Referring to the book's title and the premier's involvement, Stander added: "The skarrel is a toxic mindset of mere survival, but it can be broken. We are going to break it together on one of the biggest stages in the province."

Inspired by personal experience

Stander said his upbringing in Ketanga and being raised by a single mother inspired him to write the book. "Having started working as a golf caddy at the age of nine, I experienced the reality of the skarrel first-hand. I saw how easily incredible potential can be buried under the daily grind of poverty," he explained.

He hopes the book will show young people that their circumstances do not determine their future. "The message is simple: you can reject the labels placed on you, rewrite your future and build something meaningful from humble beginnings."

Recognition beyond Hornlee

According to Stander, Winde's decision to write the foreword represents recognition not only for him, but also for marginalised communities. "It proves that the struggles and triumphs of areas like Hornlee and Donkerhoek are being recognised at the highest levels of provincial leadership," he said.

He added that the book aims to challenge negative stereotypes that have long been associated with many communities.

Breaking the cycle

Stander describes the skarrel as a psychological cage - an inherited mindset that limits people to day-to-day survival. The book is expected to be released next month, and the official launch and signing are scheduled to take place at the Knysna Oyster Festival Hub at 11:00 on Tuesday 7 July.

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