23 Jun 2025

Debutant author, Ita Mangela’s first installment of her four-part science fiction novel titled The Mela Legacy,  is already available on Amazon. 

The Mela Legacy, is a ground-breaking fusion of African heritage, ancient history, and futuristic fiction. The 175 paged novel is only available at Exclusive Books Botswana in Gaborone, where it was launched recently. The story unfolds through the eyes of Nala Isa, a brilliant and reflective University of Botswana student. The release marks the fulfilment of a 20-year dream for Mangela.

“I was part of the science stream in high school. Studying for an undergraduate degree in the United States fuelled an interest in science and technology,” she added, explaining how this sparked a dormant creative passion that led to the birth of her book. 

Through this richly layered narrative, Mangela reimagines Botswana’s ancient knowledge systems in a high-tech, future-facing society. The result is a compelling setting where the past and future collide in profound and transformative ways.

“I began developing the concept for the series years ago and finally brought it to life over an 18-month writing period,” said the author, noting that balancing scientific accuracy with engaging storytelling posed its own challenges. 

Beyond the speculative elements, The Mela Legacy celebrates Botswana’s unique tourist attractions and cultural richness. Mangela revealed that she aimed to offer readers a deeper appreciation of the country’s landscapes and historical depth.

 “At its heart, The Mela Legacy is a tribute to the richness of Botswana’s traditions and the untapped potential of its people, especially the youth,” she said. 

Its editor Dr Naledi Kgolo-Lotshwao, a linguist and senior lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Botswana praised the novel’s fusion of the past, present, and future, describing its Afro futuristic themes as fascinating and unique. She opined about the book being a strong contender in the global sci-fi scene, comparing it to works such as Black Panther. 

“Another impressive aspect I noted in the manuscript was how she integrated Botswana’s cultural heritage sites, such as the Goo-Moremi Gorge, into the storyline, elements that resonate deeply with people from the central parts of the country, like me,” commented Dr Lotshwao, confidently recommending the book as a must-read for sci-fi enthusiasts. 

The Mela Legacy stands out for its bold and imaginative blend of traditional African wisdom and speculative fiction, offering an inspiring vision of what Africa has been, and what it can become. ENDS