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 […]
4,991 total views, 4 views today
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 […]
5,205 total views, 3 views today
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. […]
5,831 total views, 6 views today
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 […]
4,836 total views, 4 views today
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 […]
4,973 total views, 4 views today
By Ayanda Xaba, South Africa: It is the day before the lobola negotiations, the calm before the storm. I’ve been sleeping at Ntombi’s since Wednesday, partly because I want to fully support my friend and also to run away from my family. We were woken up by Ntombi’s mother in the wee hours of the morning so that we could […]
5,402 total views, 3 views today
By Ayanda Xaba, South Africa: The King’s delegation is coming this weekend. That’s only a few days away. Today is a Wednesday and Ntombi’s father arrived early this morning. We were all shocked. That man hadn’t been home in 8 years. I was accompanying Ntombi with water when we found him in the house. Some women from the village are […]
5,697 total views, 1 views today
By Ayanda Xaba, South Africa: I’m woken up by a scream and I am not sure if I?m dreaming or if its really happening. My mind has been playing tricks on me since that accident. “Ahhhhh help! Help me!” Zethu! I quickly get up and limp outside. “Mnqobi!” she cries as I walk out half naked. I’m stunned! The girls’ […]
5,068 total views, 3 views today
By Ayanda Xaba, South Africa: “Ah!” I cry out as the sangoma rubs muti inside my fresh wound. It feels like a knife cutting me once again, only this time inserting …. chemicals that are supposed to heal it. I don’t have time to nurse wounds really; there is nothing more irritating than being injured. I’m a bear roaring in […]
5,008 total views, 5 views today
By Ayanda Xaba, South Africa: Ntombikayise has never been brave enough. Marrying a guy like Mnqobi is not for the faint hearted. They should?ve given her another brother – Nsizwenye maybe. He is a decent young man just caught up living with hooligans. I, on the other hand, love the thrill. I am an adrenalin junkie and love danger. That […]
5,802 total views, 4 views today