“Who Is Going to Read That?”: Madlanga’s Memoirs Remark Sparks Debate

Justice Ncooah Madlanga has said he did not seriously think about writing his memoirs until this year, partly because he doubted anyone would want to read them. His reported question, “Who is going to read that?”, is a worry many people share when they think about writing about their own lives.

The remark has drawn a warm and often funny response from South Africans. Some have joked that there would be a long queue of readers waiting for the book, and one social media comment said it could sell out during pre-orders. These reactions show public enthusiasm, but they are not proof of actual sales. No book, publishing deal or release date has been announced, and there is no sign that publication is close.

Still, the interest is easy to understand. Public attention on justice, leadership and accountability remains high, and many people would like to know more about the life of a senior judicial figure. A memoir gives its author the chance to look back on personal experiences, career milestones, hard decisions and the people who shaped their path.

For a judge, such a book could also give readers a clearer picture of the legal profession, the demands of public service and the principles that guide decisions. South Africans who have followed Madlanga’s public work may want to learn what shaped his approach to justice and what challenges he faced along the way.

The reaction also shows that people often want to hear the personal stories behind well-known public figures, especially when those stories touch on larger questions about society and the law. If Madlanga does decide to write his memoirs, there appears to be no shortage of readers waiting to see what he has to say.

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