By Ayanda Xaba, South Africa: “We need to quickly go to the Mbhele’s, come on.” Makhosi grabs me out of bed by my legs. It’s very early in the morning and I don’t want to get up. I kick her and crawl back to bed. “Ntombi come on, it’s urgent” What could be so urgent? I’m so over the Mbhele […]
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By Ayanda Xaba, South Africa: Dear Dad; Firstly, I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I had things most girls my age didn’t. You provided me and my mother with the best of everything. You truly treated us like royalty. Thank you. I’m sorry for not being grateful and for not showing my appreciation. I let […]
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By Ayanda Xaba, South Africa: My spring break was by far the most exhausting week this year. I missed school on the first day, was still surviving the drama we witnessed at Makhosi’s new home. Xoli left a day earlier than us because university was reopening. I felt sorry for her because for some reason Mzuvele distanced himself from her. […]
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By Ayanda Xaba, South Africa: It is a few hours before Ntombi’s memulo. I’ve been here for the whole week, cooped up in one room the entire time it’s called ukugonqa. It’s been so much fun though. These two girls are crazy; we talk and laugh so loud sometimes that Ntombi’s aunt tells us to cool it. The first day […]
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By Ayanda Xaba, South Africa: Today I’m going to town with Makhosazane. We are buying things for my memulo. As usual, Mbongeni is taking us. Makhosi let me in on her family secret yesterday. Apparently during my lobola dilemma week she found out that her father is a Chief and her mother is actually a stepmother. Her father has to […]
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