Lulama Rikhotso showing off her artwork…
Young photographers learning alternative artistic skills with Jammy-Lee…
Martha looking on…
Megan engaging with Ntombi…
Mthabiseni Mbhele & Thobekile Zwane doing it…
Thando Khumalo focusing on her portrait…
Where: Wits University School of Arts
Who: Young female photographers from Aurora Girls High School, Soweto, learning lithography offered by Megan Heilig and Jammy-Lee Brophy (both Fine Arts students at Wits…
Photos by Lindeka Qampi
by Lebo Mashifane
On August 29, 2014, Lindeka Qampi, Zanele Muholi, Martha Qumba and myself visited Aurora Girls High School in Zola One, Soweto. It’s a school where Lindeka and Zanele are busy tutoring photography to some learners after school hours.
When we arrived there some of the learners were still in class and it was difficult to get a vacant classroom to occupy. The school had classrooms with broken windows and it was a very windy and cold day. Classrooms were freezing and the wind was blowing through the broken windows. And it is built on a field with water and it is located next to a cemetery.
Martha Qumba on the left glancing in the room where learners where practising their lithography artworks…
Martha a researcher from Cape Town interviewed some of the learners while I captured the interviews on video. It was interesting and insightful to hear how the learners spoke of their first camera experience. The most common issue they encountered when taking their very first picture was taking a blurry picture.
Busisiwe Radebe motivating young female photographers at Aurora Girls High School on the 29th Aug. 2014
We were later joined by Busisiwe Radebe and Makwele Makwele from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Busisiwe did a presentation informing the learners about opportunities that the DTI can offer them, such as incentives and internships.
The presentation also was very motivational. She was not only professional but she also talked about her personal experience as she expressed her love for the learners. Her message to the children was ”Each one Teach One.”
L-R: Thando Khumalo and Kamo Petlele, our young promising photographers… Photos by Lindeka Qampi
The visual work done by Lindeka and Zanele was very powerful. They have brought opportunities into the school for the learners. Not only have they ”given back to community” or take a girl child to school but they became pillars that carry these learners on an everyday basis.
Linda Mankazana, an educator Aurora and 2014 PhotoXP collaborator thanked the guest speaker for her special visit and mentioned that the school has 1300 learners and only 1 percent of the entire school is given opportunities that even past matriculants never had. She said these learners spend their month end weekend in a classroom developing themselves.
Previous by Lebo
My name is Lesiba Mothibe also known as Lee. I was born on the 5 August 1984 in BBH
(hospital’s name) now known as Tambo Memorial Hospital. I’m the first born and have two siblings a brother and sister.
I matriculated in 2002 at Benoni Educational College, then in 2003 I attended FET the Ekurhuleni East Colleges. I graduated in 2004, obtaining the Clothing Production Diploma. During 2003 to 2005 I was also a Beauty Queen won 6 titles in 2 years. Including the most precious one to my heart as the first Miss Gay Daveyton in 2003, that’s when my life got exciting and I follow to enter other pageants in and around Gauteng.
Featuring in Black Queer Youth series, Parktown, Johannesburg (2013).
I’m currently leaving in Daveyton, renting a room. I’m working as a Collections Consultant in a bank, studying part time Project Management Degree at UNISA. I also run and organize the Miss Gay Daveyton.
I love my Daveyton I want to bring change and positivity in the LGBTIQ community in my neighbourhood too. Though I stayed in other towns and townships, I eventually came back to instil the change I want to see in our township.
I’m a game changer, leader and activist. I’m also an introvert, come across as shy sometimes, but I have the ability to shine in any given situation. I’m mostly motivated by the thoughts of being average and normal. I push boundaries and create opportunities for myself.
I’m a founder of Uthingo (the rainbow) together with other gays and lesbians in Daveyton. I was selected as a chairperson for two years until I resigned in order to pursue my own visions. I’m proud to have been part of the organization and wish them the best.
Featuring in Beauties series… With Yaya & Mellisa in December 2013, in Durban South Beach…
With my friends Funo & Akhona at Soweto Pride in 2012… © Photos by Zanele Muholi
I have just turned 30, I’m loving it and thankful to the Lord for blessing me with such an interesting life. I grew up in a loving environment with both my parents. This would have marked their 30 years anniversary as they married a month after I was born. My father passed on when I was in matric, two weeks before I turned 18 and two months before I wrote my final exams. It was a traumatic year ever in my life as I lost my polar because we’re a close knit family.
My mom was there for all of us, she’s a strong and powerful woman who stands and supports us at all times no matter what.
Everyone at home knows about my sexuality and they knew since I can remember. My siblings have never discriminated against me in any form. My identity was always visual and I never had the pressure to hide and be in the so called closet. I’ve lived with my grandma mostly, she always told me how special and beautiful I was. She embraced me. I believe that helped everyone to appreciate and warm up to my uniqueness. The only discrimination I encountered was from the school, neighbourhood and church.
I like reading, going out for movies and drinks with friends, networking and implementing my ideas.
I believe there’s no time to rest while our community lacks knowledge and understanding, that’s why I haven’t moved out of Daveyton. I want to develop my township first and leave a legacy behind even though a lot of people always tell me that I’ve brought a change. I’m not yet satisfied with the little I have done. Hence they say charity begins at home. A good friend of mine said to me ” acknowledge and celebrate yourself, your achievements and congratulate yourself at all times because people won’t do that while you’re still alive. It motived me to write and tell my own story because I noticed it was true. We need to change our mindset and embrace each other while we still alive.
For a very long time I identified myself as a feminine gay man but I never found a sense of belonging and know myself. With lots of soul searching and learning more about different sexualities I’ve found my identity. I’m a proud feminine transgender, I endorse my uniqueness and caring myself with pride and dignity.
I have been dating my partner for nine years, he’s a bisexual man. I’m comfortable in dating bisexual man. Both our families know about our relationship, we seldomly go out to LGBTIQ events as he feels left out. We decided to separate our social life with our private life and its working-out perfectly.
Love to me is pure and simple, beyond honesty and integrity lies trust which is the foundation of love.
Hate crimes are a nightmare to both homosexuals and their parents. We live in fear of being ourselves and embracing our being even though we have the most liberal Constitution in the entire world. We are not free, we face the same insults, get victimized all the time. We must make sure that our safety is in our own hands.
I have to be careful where ever I go and that’s not fair. How will killing me change anyone to be straight?
That’s why I believe we need the Justice Department which is disciplined.
My township is not different from any other South African township. I’m a hate crime survivor myself, the scars I have on my back shows how stronger I am. Even when it happened eleven years ago I still remember it like it was yesterday.
As a leader I would encourage homosexuals to stop discriminating against each other, that’s when heterosexuals get the strength to be homophobic. We need to stand up for each other and embrace our uniqueness. Let’s love one another. I would like to be part of a happier and successful LGBTIQ.
I would also like to open a gay Lifestyle Centre where I can be able to have variety of activities there, for instance a pub and grill, art gallery, theatre and a club.
I’ve agreed to work on the Beauties Project because beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and any other form. I’m representing all the transgender man and woman who can’t celebrate themselves, not acknowledged and still fear to be themselves. The world needs to know that although we have the liberal and fair Constitution amongst other countries yet we are not free. The United Nations (UN) needs to intervene because our own laws are failing us.
Previous life stories
2014 Aug. 9: “I am not a lesbian by choice”
and
2014 July 26: “I was born this way and I cannot change the skin that I live in”
and
2014 June 25: I consider myself beautiful not handsome…
and
and
2014 May 7: I don’t like being identified in terms and definitions
and
2014 May 18: Behind the beautiful face you see is a lesbian who is torn into a million pieces
and
2014 May 30: I was a boy who would one day grow up to be a man
and
2013 Oct. 22: I thought university was for the rich
and
2013 Oct. 16: I am a beautiful young dyke, a woman lover
and
2013 Oct. 12: I just feel she deserves much better
and
2013 Oct. 2: I am a normal transgender woman’
and
2013 Aug. 22: Am exactly where I’m supposed to be
and
2013 July 15: The virus has become a silent relative
and
and
2013 March 10: “I love women and they love me”
and
2013 February 28: I am not a Victim but a Victor
By Martha Qumba
Some guest speakers were invited by Inkanyiso to speak to young female photographers at Aurora High School Girls in Soweto.
Gabi Ngcobo, Fine Artists and Arts Lecturer at the University of Witwatersrand, Megan Heilig and Jammy-Lee Brophy both art students at Wits, Ziyanda Majozi, mosaic artist from Cape Town and Martha Qumba, a freelance journalist from Cape Town. The purpose was to motivate the girls who were doing photography with Inkanyiso. In February 2014 Inkanyiso has started a photography project to empower girls and to understand that they can become photographers as well.
L-R: Gabi Ngcobo, Ziyanda Majozi, Megan Heilig, Jammy-Lee and Martha Qumba, our guest speakers for the day…
Gabi talked about the importance of being creative and she said with creativity one can come up with amazing things.
“I did something on Sunday, 24th Aug. 2014 at the Joburg Art Fair. I just took a piece of paper and wrote my surname properly. Some people always spell my surname wrongly. So I was showing them a correct spelling. I just hold it up for everybody to see and I went around selling it. I can tell you I managed to raise R7000 on that day”, she says.
She said there are many ways of fundraising and learners should start making their own ways.
Megan and Jammy-Lee talked about what they studying and the importance of art.
They offered themselves to do installation workshop for the learners.
Ziyanda talked about her work as well and how fascinating it was to share her experience with the learners.
Martha emphasized writing skills so that the learners can document their own history and stories for themselves. She then stressed the importance of writing and encouraged them to write.
Afterwards floods of questions came from the learners. They were interested to know various ways of fundraising.
Previous links
2014 Aug. 30: Insightful analysis from the guest speaker
and
2014 Aug. 30: Young aspiring photographers experimenting lithography
and
2014 Aug.1: InterGenerational conversation with current and future stars
and
2014 July 16: Through the eyes of young women photographers
and
2014 July 12: From Soweto to Paris for the love of photography
and
2014 July 13: “Give children cameras not candies”
Where: Nquthu, KwaZulu Natal.
When: 12th July 2014
Umemulo unjengomshado, usuke uwumakoti ushadiswa nabakini, umhlwehlwe usuke umele i-veil. Ube futhi uyafana ne – 21st yesizulu, ngoba uma umuntu wesifazane emuliswa usuke unikwa ukhiye ukuthi usengakhululeka agane.
Igama lami ngingu-Comfort BZ Gwala, ngiphila impilo yobu Lesbian engizalwe nayo, abazali bami bangigcinele usiko lokungukhulisa ngokwesizulu (umemulo) obungomhlaka 12 July 2014, endaweni yase-Nquthu.
Ngacela Inkanyiso ukuba izongithathela izithombe zomcimbi wami obe yigugu elikhulu kimi. Ngosizo lweNkanyiso nabangaphumelanga ukuba khona, iNkanyiso izobathatha ibabeke ngezithombe ngakho konke okwakwenzeka, nokwaba okokuqala emlandweni ukumula kwe Lesbian.
Ukwenzelwa kwami umemulo kungijabulisile, noma bengisaba ukugqoka isidwaba ngoba abantu abaningi endaweni bebazi ukuthi ngiwumfana, negenge yabafana engiphila nayo, abaningi bathukile, abanye bebuza kumina ukuthi ubani ozomula kini? Ngivele ngithi omunye udadewethu ngisaba ukuthi imina.
Ngendlela ekwakugcwele ngayo?
Bathi babefuna ukubona i-lesbian imula.
La izinsizwa zazigiya zingilande emfuleni sesiya esigcawini.
Isibopho esifakwe umama ekhanda, esokuvimba ukuthi umoya ungabi khona.
Netshali alibeke emahlombe. Umoya nje, just a wind, kuba nomoya omkhulu ongadiliza izindlu. Kuvinjwa wona.
La ekushunqa khona intuthu, kusendlini yakwa gogo, umama usishisela impepho mina newele lami, kumi imbuzi yewele kodwa ayivelanga. Ubika umsebenzi emsamu.
Lesi ngiguqile umfwethu ubambe umhlwehlwe awukhipha emanzini, uzongigqokisa wona. Lesi engihleli khona phansi, ngase ngembeswa, abakomalume nabakamkhwenyana kadade wethu omncane.
Isithombe esinokhamba , njengoba ngangihleli emfuleni, nabadala abangasekho basuke bekhona, ukhamba kusuke kuwolwabo, kodwa baphuzelwa imina kancane, ngihabule.
… uma umuliswa ubizwa ngomakoti, umalume wakho olande kuyena umkhonto ubizwa ngomkhwenyana.
Ukwenzelwa kwami umemulo kungijabulisile, noma bengisaba ukugqoka isidwaba ngoba abantu abaningi endaweni bebazi ukuthi ngiwumfana, negenge yabafana engiphila nayo, abaningi bathukile, abanye bebuza kumina ukuthi ubani ozomula kini? Ngivele ngithi omunye udadewethu ngisaba ukuthi imina. Ngendlela ekwakugcwele ngayo? Bathi babefuna ukubona i Lesbian imula.
Lo owedansane e blue, umfowethu olama ongilamayo, uwu number 3, lo owe jersey eli black & whites, umzala wami uyena omele umalume ngoba akasekho, u-Bheki Mthembu, umfowethu uKwazi Gwala, abahleli phansi omzala bonke bazalwa omalume.
Isidwaba siyisembatho sakwazulu, imvunulo yakwa Zulu,esho ukuba umakoti.
Umhlwehlwe njengoba uhlangene uthule usho ukuthi ngiseyi virgin kodwa kade ngaqala ukuqonywa.
Inkomo nenkonyane, kwakuzidlela nje, akuhlangene nomemulo.
Imali ekhanda usuka uphiwa , iyaye ikhokhe izikweletu ezenziwe ngomsebenzi.
Engikwenzelwe umama, ngiyakusaba, angazi ngiyomjabulisa ngani?
Ngifisa sengathi bonke omama abazele ama Lesbians bengawakhombisa uthando bawamukele njengabantwana babo.
Ne Nduna ephethe ingimangazile ukuthi isukume ize emcimbini womuntu ofana nami, ikhombise ukungacwasi ngokobulili, yaze yasho kwabayi intervier yathi umuntu uphila impilo ayithandayo.
Lokho kwangijabulisa…
Lapha ngikhashwe izintombi ezihlolwayo zasendaweni, ezihamba umhlanga, ezingakaze zihlangane nomuntu wesilisa.
Kulesithombe ngihlezi nomama wami.
... eyokuzibona ngigqoke u bra ingithusile, bengiqala, ngingakwazi nokuwugqoka, umama wayengithengele oveza i cleavage, ngawunqaba. Usisi wami wangithengela
o right, kona iyona part eyabanzima ukudlula ukufaka isidwaba.
Umphakathi waseNquthu, obaba omama nabafana bakhona, bayaphila, bengicabanga ukuthi bazongixwaya emva kokungibona ukuthi ngiyintombazane, kodwa bavele baqhubeka ngendlela abebengithatha ngayo, nobaba bendawo basangibiza ngo ndodana.
Uma uphila impilo yobuqenge ezindaweni zasemakhaya, akunankinga njengasemalokishini, ngoba kunemithetho eqinile evikela wonke umuntu, njengokudlwengulwa kwama Lesbian, akwenzeki, nokuhlukunyezwa kwawo,
Inkinga engiba nayo mina emakhaya, uma kuhlatshiwe kuba nzima ukuthi ngizohlala nobani? Angingeni esibayeni ukuyodla inhloko namadoda, amantombazane ayangixwaya uma ngidla esithebeni sawo. Ngigcina ngihlaliswa ngedwa. Kube buhlungu kimi.
Photos by Lindeka Qampi commissioned by Zanele Muholi
Text by Christie van Zyl
Photos by Lindeka Qampi and Zanele Muholi
An inspiring message of Social co-hesion and responsibility was set at the launch of the ZAZI – Know your strength campaign. The event took place at the University of Johannesburg on the 14th of August 2014. It was attended by approximately 500 people.. There was a morning and afternoon program, where some parts of the event involved youth dialogue spearheaded by a panel of six members of civil society, government and students.
Deputy Minister of Social Development,Henrietta Bogopane-Zulu who spearheaded the Zazi launch…
Zazi is intended for the creation of a conducive environment for the honing of young women’s inner strength, to be able to stand up against a term coined as the 4 M’s – Macho Mobile Men with Money; as well any form of abuse intended for them due to circumstantial adversities.
The most important emphasis was placed on curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS across the plain, including the safety of young boys & men who are target to older women. During the afternoon event several speeches took place emphasising the importance of tackling poverty in South Africa. This was spoken to be the greatest influence on young people giving in to ‘sugar daddies and spicy mommies’. Amongst attendees that gave speeches, was present Dr Ramneek Ahluwali, Director of HEAIDS (Higher Education and Training HIV/AIDS), as the voice of the students was present Ms Nikiwe Mboweni, president of the Student Representative Council.
The Minister sharing a joke with Steve Letsike…
_____________________
Further attendance included Professor Ihron Lester Rensburg – Vice-Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, Mr Nick Balkrishen – South African College of Principals Organization(SACPO), Steve Letsike – Deputy Chairperson of the South National AIDS Council (SANAC); as well as a Ms Hannalee as representative of the Honourable Deputy Minister of Higher Education & Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana. Speeches were centred around the ‘toxic mix in our midst of poverty and patriarchy as the driver of extra-ordinary challenges causing this extra-ordinary outbreak of disease’ – Professor Rensburg.
Several performances also took place by the likes of Lebo Mashile who recited poetry speaking about the responsibility of society shaping young boys into responsible men; as well the gracefulness if woman and her need for evolution to self love.‘Breath in protection, exhale love’ are the words she ended her performance with.
Our beloved poet and writer Lebo Mashile who recited her poetics… ___________________________
The Zazi video was also aired, which is a song that is performed by South African artist Zonke where the song speaks about knowing yourself in terms of your sexual health; the tying of the ribbon symbolizing bringing a helping hand to social ills & taking responsibility to lead with all of our strength and power. The Zazi video boasts green ribbons which are said to be symbolic of ‘new beginnings and protection'; this was established in a nation wide forum of workshops where young women were approached about the colour they would like to represent the Zazi campaign. The video was wrapped up by young poet, Nova Masango who spoke words of encouragement to young women to know their worth.
The last of the performances came from the UJ Soweto campus Arts & Culture drama group which outlined scenarios of how young woman get raped by their school teachers for marks and how AIDS spreads through vulnerable youngsters at tertiary level who are engaging in irresponsible as well as inter-generational relationships. Honourable Deputy minister of Department of Social Development Ms Henrietta Ipeleng Bogopane- Zulu, gave a touching speech on ten life lessons of trying to be a perfect human in the light of striving to be our best. She closed off the speeches with a beautiful ceremony, gathering young men and woman to tie ribbons to each others’ wrists to make a commitment to bettering the future of young people through giving them platforms to know themselves and their inner strength to avoid sexual health problems, as well as rapes and the spread of HIV/AIDS. Deputy Minister Zulu also gave thanks to JHHESA team – John Hopkins Health and Education South Africa for the sustainability of the Zazi campaign.
Khanyisa Dutywa of the SANAC Women’s Sector took the podium in closing and started her thank you’s with a powerful ‘WOMANDLA’, saying ‘my sister’s keeper , tshela mina ngale z’khiphani’ (tell me what’s happening on the other side). She went on to question where the women’s sector is on campus and then stated that we should unite and claim the youth of 1976 to fight gender inequality within the context of this launch happening in Soweto. It was a beautiful and heartfelt launch. All the speakers and Minister Zulu said all the right things that we young people need to hear.
I cannot help but wonder though when all this information would get to young people in the rural and township areas. How do we go about distributing this information to the rural areas of South Africa. It is all nice and well to have attendees of a high caliber and students of UJ attending the launch, but what of the young women in rural and township schools that are also experiencing the same things and are about to enter university; or even the real world of work because of circumstance. Many a young woman gets targeted by their boss so that they keep their jobs seeing as they are coming right out of matric. Can we have a conversation about having this Zazi launch in a rural area in a native language that the very people that need it will understand. Speakers spoke of the first generation graduates that suffer mostly from these inter- generational relationships that end up being cases if abuse because of poverty. They are aware that these young people are coming from the rural parts of South Africa, so what is their plan if action to reach those areas.
There is a need for this intervention of which I never heard being addressed at the launch of the Zazi – Know Yourself campaign.
Previous by Christie 2014 July 4: Craddock Chronicles
Text by Lerato Dumse
I sat down for a reflection session with photographers Lindeka Qampi and Zanele Muholi a few days after they documented Gift Makau’s funeral.
Muholi requested for the interview as a way of unloading and shedding the pain, explaining that its hectic documenting hate crimes, and they don’t even have counseling.
“When people see you holding the camera, they don’t realise the amount of stress we carry, adds the visual activist.”
Some of the reasons that bring pressure on these photographers is visiting the crime scene, talking to family members who have just lost a loved one.
Lindeka shares that for her, documenting hate crime is traumatic because it reminds her of her own ordeal as a victim of crime.
She is motivated to document it, because it gives her a chance to educate the community.
Lindeka says visiting families like Disebo’s is hard on her as a mother, especially since Disebo was a last born that makes her think of her last born, and adds that its not easy seeing the sadness in their eyes.
“Rape is increasing in our country, and the police would rather harass a hawker selling on the side of the road, adds Lindeka”.
Lindeka further elaborates that as documenters they capture and visualize everything, and working with the family for four days means a bond is formed.
Muholi says when she first heard about Disebo’s killing it was still sketchy and a lot of hearsay.
“The first thing on my mind was not another hate crime, not another queer born free, not on women’s month,” and adds that she went to bed that night with a heavy heart and hoping it was wrong information.
Staying five minutes away from Constitutional Hill, (which is where this interview was conducted) also brought more questions to Muholi, thinking about the new LGBTI task team meeting that was held at the end of April 2014 where the issue of hate crime was discussed mainly at the venue with various stakeholders (activists) and some activists from different provinces.
However her fears were confirmed the next day when she was given the full details and asked to intervene.
“The first questions that come to mind is resources, finances to go there.”
Two days later, Muholi and Lindeka were on their way to Ventersdorp from Johannesburg, and met the family and counselor of Tshing township whom Muholi described as practical, kind and caring.
Muholi said the counselor reminded her that there are women who care about other women.
However, when they first entered the scene where Disebo lost her life, Muholi immediately went on her periods which was unexpected and early.
Lindeka reveals that one of her goals now is to go back and document Disebo’s background, to be able to tell her life story.
She says while in the area she heard about gangster groups that are active in Tshing township, which contributes to the crime in the area.
While Muholi says as a person who works with lesbian youth, such murders hurt her because she views the victims as “one of us”.
She adds that she cares as an activist, as a human being and seeing the pain in the family that has just lost someone takes her back to other hate crime cases she has documented.
“I thought about how victims like Gift and Dudu Zozo die in their neighborhood, come from poor communities, are in their 20s and hard workers ambitious to become breadwinners in their families.
Another thing that disturbs Muholi were the objects used: a toilet brush inserted inside Dudu’s private parts and the water hose in Gift’s mouth, the half naked body and dying before they can even enjoy the freedom of democracy, and concludes by saying she doesn’t want to document another hate crime.
Before the coffin of Disebo Gift Makau was lowered at the cemetery in Ventersdorp on the 23rd Sept. 2014
Odidiva, Cape Town based artist and activist who attended the funeral of Disebo in Ventersdorp last month.
Photos by Lindeka Qampi & Zanele Muholi
More reflection sessions to be published in the next few months…
Related links
and
2014/09/13 Muholi & I on our way to JFK airport…
Reflection by Lebo Mashifane
Today is talk day!
Jet lag is kicking in, I woke up at 8h25 whereas the past two days I woke up around 4 am and around 6 am the next day.
I’m feeling drained …
Physically I’m drained but I’m ecstatic to talk in front of American academics!!! Really!!! Me!!! on the mic!!! In New York!!!
Imagine!!!
After taking a shower I’m feeling fresh alive… I even flip jumped in the elevator don’t tell anybody. I look forward to spending a little bit of time with Zanele to go through some pointers of today’s talk. I’m deflated by bank card situation. I left her bank card at reception at The Study Hotel at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, US. I went to fetch it at reception, they looked for it and they have lost it. Zanele just managed to get her traveling itinerary sorted. Just after hanging up on that confirmation call, the bad news await on the other phone line…
”I’m sorry, we have looked everywhere possible and um we can’t find the card” *American accent*.
I think I need to move around before I get depressed and physically numb and drained again.
Last night, Gabriel slept over with us at the hotel. She is also disorientated by Zanele’s situation, after such a good night’s rest, this is what she wakes up to…
From sending a complement to the Study to complaining about thereof.
It’s time for me to meet up with Liz at the gallery to fill in the honorarium forms. Gabriel Le Roux comes with me to the gallery, she will check out Zanele’s exhibition while I do admin. I go back to the hotel and Zanele tells me that she managed to get her bank card stopped but they told her that there is no money on her card. This is dreadful and distorting my first fancy friday focus in New York…
Talk time!!! Thanks to the healing of spoken word! I introduced myself, so cool and at ease on the podium!!!
When the hell was I last on stage or on a podium, about 7 years?
Then I do a ”come back”…where, in America!!!!
Dddzzzzaaammn!!! Talk for ”come back” let’s come back to spoken word. I read a piece I wrote called ikasi. That was after introducing myself and and discussing the project I’m currently working on, where I also mentioned my surroundings of living in the township.
When I was done with my piece, Zanele did her introduction and played a documentary. Both of us then sat on a panel to answer questions to the audience. When that was done, I read a piece I wrote, entitled (eleven triple one) 11 111 since yesterday marked 13 years since the twin towers collapsed in TOWN…
Then to end off, just to bring everybody back to the funky Friday feeling…
I read my last piece for the day, entitled ‘Beauty left on her left.’
There were people that came up to me to compliment my pieces and it was great network. Michele Oshima said she had already read 11 111 on the blog and she was excited when I did it… It was quite exciting to be read and heard you know, like reading a book and then going to watch the movie based on that novel or fiction. Michel then invited us to the LGBTQ Queer Tea gathering that happens every Friday from 4pm – 6pm. Every gathering has a guest speaker, this time it was ……
Yale World fellow and author of Gay Bombay. He is from India and he spoke of the dynamics indian queer face, he also brought forth the political point of view, which was of sufficient value to the topic. We were given Queer Tea cups, the design of the printing on the cup was done by Andrew.
Around 6pm we left the queer Tea gathering. It’s midnight at home, if were to call and say I’m going to have supper, I would’ve probably got a response that would say I’m having my sleep! *#@!…
So we went for supper, Sushi!!! I’ve missed sushi so much. Living in the township with not monthly salary has restricted me from indulging in that cuisine. michel and Zanele had me try out new dishes in sushi, I was enjoying the food so much!
Their rice is reddish as if it was boiled in water with a beetroot… I asked why the rise color looked like that, the response was that it’s mixed with organic rise… Hhhmmmm… ????thinking¿¿¿.
My name is Ayanda Masina, popularly known as ‘Ayanda Kiss’ or Kgokgo to some friends.
I have a lot of nicknames. I guess it goes with the level we at with our friendship.
On a beautiful day on April 25 in 1991 I was born in Tsakane, and I have been residing there since.
I was raised by my mom’s older sister and her husband, however she has since passed on, then I had to move in with,my mom.
So I currently stay with my mom, four siblings, granddad and my uncle. I’m the oldest of five children from my mom and the fourth of nine kids from my dad.
He was never a father to us until the day he passed on, because he was never present.
I started my schooling at Shadrack Mbambo Primary School in Tsakane. Times were hard, because my mom was unemployed. I remember one cloudy day when the man who was supposed to be my daddy carried me on his back to school.
I had not yet been bought a proper school uniform so I was wearing all black and takkies (the only memory I have of him as a child) every child there had on their proper school uniform and shiny black shoes with their school bags.
I felt so left out, being the odd one out. I wanted to run out of there, but I couldn’t. So to pass time I’d run to the toilets till lunch time or go to my Mam’khulu’s (aunt) house.
I would cry and eventually go back. I became a,learner when I finally received my proper school uniform and shiny black shoes.
In Grade five I was part of the debating and public speaking team at school and I made class monitor and was part of the top 5 English student in school life was great.
I then proceeded to Tsakane Secondary School were I was part of the drum majorettes team and part of the best biology and English learners. By Grade 10, I’d proven to be a smart child. Although it was odd that I never took interest in boys but I had a crush on a girl instead.
Ayanda Masina (2013) is currently featuring in Faces and Phases (2006-2014) book by Zanele Muholi, that was launched in Ulm, Germany last night…
I would see “tomboys” but never really understood what was going on till I moved to college. It was then that I understood that there are lesbians in the world and after all I was normal.
I was studying Information Technology (IT) but due to unforeseen circumstances I had to leave college.
That didn’t put me down, it really broke me. I needed to be something I have to be something. Since there was nothing to do and I was seeing the crimes perpetrated on lgbti persons, I joined the Equality Project (which has since closed down) and I was later elected as a co-ordinator for the Tsakane and KwaThema groups.
I always wanted to be on life changing and advocacy part of life, so it was an opportunity for me. It was sad when equality project closed down, then I moved to EPOC as only a member. You would find me in every march, workshop, and picket there was.
I had never seen myself in the spotlight and showcasing my looks and fashion sense, but in 2012 my then girlfriend asked me to join a pageant I wasn’t so keen on joining but she kept begging and telling me I could make it.
I eventually joined in the rehearsals I actually liked it on the final day I was crowned 1st Prince, and I was pleased by then. I knew I would love being a model and stand in front of the camera.
I always felt my family knew about my sexual orientation due to my Identity but I later learnt that orientation doesn’t determine identity. I was surprised when I appeared on Shift in 2012 April few days before I turned 21 and family member asked my mom why I didn’t tell them I was lesbian.
I was surprised because I thought they knew but even after that I never wanted to explain myself, I never felt I should.
Even on the day I brought my first girlfriend home, there wasn’t any harsh or ill-treatment, instead she was like a daughter and sister to my mom and siblings.
At times I’d get jealous thinking she was taking my place and even now with my current girlfriend I have support.
However, as we all know there’s homophobia and there are those who aren’t lucky enough to dodge the hate perpetrated by homophobes. But change will come and I’ll help bring it about.
We are currently working on building partnerships and forming allies with community members, which I feel will bring about great change.
Seeing that lgbti persons face a lot of violations and it is bad when you go to service providers and receive secondary victimisation.
So I’m working with our little group in Tsakane, which I’m co-founder empowered by the Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW) and RAAP we will try and bring about the change we want to see.
I was super thrilled when Zanele Muholi called and asked to do a background on my life and knowing she’s a photographer, and doing advocacy through it. I knew I was going to be part of a great project for advocacy as part of my everyday life. Taking a different route in doing it was a great achievement and much of a pleasure.
Previous life stories
2014 Aug. 30: I’m a game changer, leader and activist
and
2014 Aug. 9: “I am not a lesbian by choice”
and
2014 July 26: “I was born this way and I cannot change the skin that I live in”
and
2014 June 25: I consider myself beautiful not handsome…
and
and
2014 May 7: I don’t like being identified in terms and definitions
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2014 May 18: Behind the beautiful face you see is a lesbian who is torn into a million pieces
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2014 May 30: I was a boy who would one day grow up to be a man
and
2013 Oct. 22: I thought university was for the rich
and
2013 Oct. 16: I am a beautiful young dyke, a woman lover
and
2013 Oct. 12: I just feel she deserves much better
and
2013 Oct. 2: I am a normal transgender woman’
and
2013 Aug. 22: Am exactly where I’m supposed to be
and
2013 July 15: The virus has become a silent relative
and
and
2013 March 10: “I love women and they love me”
and
2013 February 28: I am not a Victim but a Victor
Photo album by Nonhlanhla Maluleka (17) from Aurora Girls High – 2014 Photo XP young female photographers…
Passing De Doorns informal settlements on way to Cape Town
De Doorns II
Breasted mountains of the Western Cape and blue sky… a view from the bus
My school mate and 2014 Photo XP group member travelled with us, the Big 4 from Aurora Girls …
The Cape Times article (2014/10/02) that featured Ntombifuthi Shabalala, Kamo Petlele and Mthabiseni Mbhele‘s photographs presented at Cape Town Month of Photography…
Related links
2014 July 16: Through the eyes of young women photographers
http://inkanyiso.org/2014/07/16/2014-july-16-through-the-eyes-of-young-women-photographers/
and
2014 July 12: From Soweto to Paris for the love of photography
http://inkanyiso.org/2014/07/13/2014-july-12-between-collaborations-and-collectivism/
and
2014 July 13: ” Give children cameras not candies”
http://inkanyiso.org/2014/07/13/2014-july-13-give-children-cameras-not-candies/
and
2014 Aug.1: InterGenerational conversation with current and future stars
and
2014 Aug. 30: Young aspiring photographers experimenting lithography
http://inkanyiso.org/2014/09/01/2014-aug-30-young-aspiring-photographers-experimenting-lithography/
and
2014 Aug. 30: Insightful analysis from the guest speaker
http://inkanyiso.org/2014/09/03/2014-aug-30-insighful-guest-visit/
and
2014 Aug. 28: Fine Artists on importance of being creative
http://inkanyiso.org/2014/09/10/2014-aug-28-fine-artists-on-importance-of-being-creative/
2014 Sept. 8: Manku and her niece buried next to each other
http://inkanyiso.org/2014/09/11/2014-sept-8-manku-and-her-niece-buried-next-to-each-other/
MORE DETAILS
Mail & Guardian made a mention of some yfl two weeks ago and the link is:
http://mg.co.za/article/2014-09-18-15-significant-sa-photographers-to-know
Previous PhotoXP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCywB_Yw5v8
Thanks once again.
You’re not here tonight
You chose to send me the rain though
When it rains without you, I still feel you
When it rains you are usually the first to smile
and find peace no matter how crazy life is
Tonight it is raining and you are not here
I am finding peace
The peace of feeling you beside me
Because tonight you chose to send me the rain
When it rains without you
Tonight it is raining and you are not here
But you have chosen to reach into the deepest parts of me
and make me smile,
so special in your absence
Because tonight you have chosen to send me the rain
Zanemvula
Even though I seldom sleep when I am without you
Tonight sleep urges me like the ebb and flow of the ocean
I feel you next to me
Because you chose to send me the rain
I am because you’ll Be
The dwelling and the being
When it rains without you.
The pitter patter of the rains fall so easily onto the shoulders of my rest
They claim their throne in my beckoning of your presence
just to be submerged in the joy you be when it rains
You held me tight last night
when my soul rained to you
and you so gracefully showered yourself in me
because all you wanted me to know is that you are here for me
Tonight you chose to send me the rain
You kissed my heart with beauty
as I submit to the rain it is basking me in the rays of your healing feed
I am one with the rain in you and the rain that you are
There is rain dance tickling the core of me
Tonight you chose to send me the rain
The rain has stopped
Baby come back to me…
When it rains without you…
I am humbly reminded of how deep my love is for you
When it rains without you…
I want to keep on writing but it stopped
You are still with me when it rains
The rains stopped
Baby come back to me
I plead…
When the rains stopped I lost my words.
When it rains without you…
The rain came back
The beating drums inside me have subsided
Tonight you chose to send me the rain
so that I do not feel the void of your absences
You came back to me
I am palm to palm with you
The connection is stable
Your energy is permanent now
You came back to me
You chose to be with me
Tonight you sent me the rain
Butterflies are cooping up inside me
There you go again sounding your essence in harmonies
with the rains softening and scattering
Taking my heart on a magic carpet ride
Tonight you chose to send yourself to me through the rain
Yes you have shown me an entire world of a moment prolonged
I am consoled…
I am humbly reminded of how deep your love is for me…
When it rains without you!
By Christie van Zyl
© 2014
Previous by Christie
2013 winners in the different categories are as follows:
1. Women in Indigenous Art: Peki Emmelinah “Nothembi” Mkhwebane
2. Promotion of Language and Story Telling: Nthabiseng Sibanda
3. Creative Writing: Devarakshanam Betty Govinden
4. Poetry: Myesha Jenkins
5. Fashion Design and Innovation: Vanessa Gounden
6. Creative Photography: Zanele Muholi
7. Painting: Catherine Christie
8. Sculpture: Nandhipa Mntambo
9. Dance: Tebogo Kgobokoe
10. Opera: Pretty Yende
11. Theatre: Thembi Mtshali-Jones
12. Women In Jazz: Siya Makuzeni
13. Music: Simphiwe Dana
14. Promotion of Arts in the Media: Lore Watterson
15. Arts Ambassador: Lira
16. Women in New Media: Pam Warne
17. Architecture and Creative Design: Kate Otten
18. Women in Film: Helena Spring
19. Comedy: Tumi Morake
20. Miriam Makeba Achievement Award: Sathima Bea-Benjamin
by Lerato Ntlatlane-Malibe
It is funny how as people we are covered by different labels. When people discover that I am gay, comments I normally receive are “but you are so feminine and pretty”.
Really!
As a writer/columnist for a certain newspaper; there was point where I felt like writing these articles was getting me nowhere. But when I was about to give up, someone would come asking for my help. That encouraged me, and made me realise that out of a hundred negative comments I receive, there is one that is positive- and I will keep on writing for that one positive comment I receive.
As gay people we experience a lot of prejudice, it breaks us at times. But one thing that we are honest with ourselves. There is no better way to live your life than being true to yourself. People often ask us to explain our past, to explain our children forgetting that self discovery is a journey, and a journey that takes a million steps. In those steps you make mistakes, in those steps you realise that somethings are not for you and after that you hunt for who you are. In those steps we fall, we get up, we run, we get weary but journey on.
I want to tell everyone in the gay community that they might gossip about us but we are honest about who we are.
We are honest about our identity. So raise your head and walk with pride.
Do not let anyone pull you down, because they cannot handle your living an honest life.
Do not let anyone make you feel inferior because they are ignorant and choose not to understand.
We did not create ourselves, we did not choose to be gay and we will not hide ourselves. We did not commit any crime, we did not murder anyone we are just answering nature’s call on how to live our lives.
I had a problem with being labelled. But with time these labels made me work harder. These labels made me walk tall. These labels made me answer my natural and spiritual calling. People who call me names start realising that these names are not my education, my character, my spirituality and my overall being.
I always thank God that he gave me the wisdom to come to terms with who I am. He is the one who created me to be. I am thankful that I don’t have to love and live my life in secret. This is who I am. I am young, I am gifted and I am proudly LESBIAN…..
About the author: I am proud that I am gay, because people say “wow but you are such a lady”. I am proud I am a spiritual healer, because people say “wow but you are so young and so pretty”. I am proud that I am mother, because people say “wow but you married to a woman”. I am proud that I am a writer and a performing poet because people say “wow you look so clean”. I am proud that I confuse the stereo type mind of this world.
Previous articles by Lerato
2014 March 5: Lesbian Femmes and Bags
by Lerato Dumse
Kind, compassionate, diligent and loving are some of the words used by speakers, to describe Musa Williams (47).
How he performed his duties at work, and his activism fighting for the rights of LGBTI and HIV positive people.
They were talking during his funeral on Wed. October 15, held at his home in Kwa-Thema, where he died suddenly a week before.
The funeral service started with less than 10 people, who sang in the lounge where Musa’s coffin stood.
People were then given an opportunity to view him for the last time, before moving to the tent where the full program was carried out.
Fani Masemula was first to talk, speaking on behalf of the family.
He said they were saddened by Musa’s passing, but realised it is the community he helped that has suffered the biggest loss.
Next on the program was a neighbor Sibusiso who said, Musa was a brother and a friend to him.
He added that Musa taught him how to handle tough times, and Musa’s passing is his first test at handling such a situation.
Nontyatyambo Makapela shared memories of Musa, when he joined them in establishing TAC in KwaThema.
How he used his own resources to mobilize people, even though he was part of the National Association of People Living with HIV and AIDS (NAPWA).
She said that was testament of Musa’s passion in helping those affected by HIV in his community.
Just like the meaning of his name, Nontyatyambo said she saw him practice kindness in other people’s lives.
Mrs Thokozile Khulwane preaching during the funeral service…
“Musa had characteristics of a leader, he was able to save many lives and prove that HIV doesn’t kill, but societal stigma does,” she concluded.
While long time friend, Sevi Makhonjwa said Musa’s life purpose was to serve people and “God must be giving him a lots of correct ticks because he stepped up to his call.“
Sevi spoke about how they were together with Musa burying another friend and activist Manku Maduwane just last month, not far from Musa’s home.
With the funeral service at home wrapped up, mourners then proceeded to Vlakfontein Cemetery.
Pastor T. Moema who prayed at the funeral service of Musa Williams
Lindeka Qampi, photographer who documented the service for Inkanyiso
Members of the LGBTI community, HIV activists and colleagues he worked with as community health care workers, marched some distance in front of the hearse singing.
There was a slight drizzle, which looked threatening when mourners arrived at the cemetery.
However this did not disrupt the smooth service, as the sun soon came out shining.
While some worked hard with spades to cover Musa’s grave, others continued singing, saying their final goodbye to a man they called IQHAWE!
Musa’s coffin wrapped with blue blanket as a sign of respect for the late activist…
Young queer leaders and activists from KwaThema and surrounding areas came in full support…
Final resting place for Musa, “You’ll never be forgotten…” © Photos by Zanele Muholi (2014)
Previous article
2014 Oct. 13: Mother of the recently murdered lesbian demands justice
and
2014 Sept. 28: An emotional farewell for the recent victim of hate crime
and
2014 Sept. 8: Manku and her niece buried next to each other
Ally & Toya DaLezy @ SA Fashion Week, Crowne Plaza, Rosebank.
© Zanele Muholi (2014)
Our guest speaker of the day, Mpho Nefuri (attorney) in a black suit, front row shared so much expertise with our young photographers at Aurora on Thurs. 16 Oct. 2014. © Photos by Thobe Gumede (2014)
Where: Aurora Girls High School
What: 2014 PhotoXP – Guest speaking
Mpho Nefuri was our guest speaker of the day, she addressed the young female photographers on how Media and Law works. She explained to the learners the dos and don’ts when approaching visual subject matters. The importance of taking precautions, avoiding risks and requesting for consent before photographing.
The young minds were thrilled and posed so many questions afterwards of which Mpho responded to with humility.
Previous guest speakers includes Phumla Masuku, Nonkululeko Britton-Masekela, Mfundi Mvundla, Gabi Ngcobo, Jamy-Lee Brophy, Megan Heilig, Martha Qumba, Ziyanda Majozi, and Busisiwe Radebe, who shared their expertise with the learners.
The learners attended various field trips in which they documented and learnt from those experiences.
Previous links
2014 Oct.: Long trip to Cape Town from Johannesburg
and
2014 Oct. 7: Robbed while shooting
and
2014 Sept. 30: “I truly love Cape Town”
and
2014 Aug. 30: Insightful analysis from the guest speaker
and
2014 Aug. 30: Young aspiring photographers experimenting lithography
and
2014 Aug. 28: Fine Artists on importance of being creative
and
2014 Aug.1: InterGenerational conversation with current and future stars
and
2014 July 16: Through the eyes of young women photographers
and
2014 July 12: From Soweto to Paris for the love of photography
and
2014 July 13: “Give children cameras not candies”
by Mandisa Giqika
On October 25. 2014, South Africa celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Johannesburg Pride March and 20 Years of Democracy. The LGBTIQ community looked forward to this enormous event that reunites fellow sisters and brothers.
This year Mushroom Park in Sandton sheltered all humankind from babies to grandparents, after a long parade around the streets of Sandton chanting, “I am Human” regardless of sexuality.
Simone Heradien, Human Rights Activist gave a great speech after the march and said:
Johannesburg pride is not only for Lesbian, Gays, Bisexuals, Transsexuals, Intersexual and Questioning; Johannesburg pride is for everyone.
South Africa became the first nation in the world to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.
This brings us to an issue of corrective rape around townships. Lesbians get raped and brutally murdered, but then a Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa has guts to file a draft document calling for the removal of LGBT rights from the Constitution of South Africa.
South Africa does not have any statutory law requiring increased penalties for hate crimes, however; hate motivated by homophobia has been treated by courts as an aggravating factor in sentencing.
In April 2014, then Minister of Justice Jeff Radebe launched a National Intervention Strategy for the LGBTI Sector developed by the National Task Team (NTT) to address sex-based violence and gender-based violence against members of the community.
The NTT has established a rapid response team to attend to unsolved criminal cases as a matter of urgency and produced an information pamphlet with frequently asked questions about LGBTI persons.
The first South African pride parade was held towards the end of the apartheid era in Johannesburg on 13 October 1990, the first such event on the African continent.
Now we on the 25 years later, we are still fighting for political advocacy against LGBTIQ hate crimes, such as the so-called corrective rape of lesbians in townships, and to remember victims thereof.
Zuki Khuse and friends was present too…
In his speech during the first pride Simon Nkoli, a gay and anti-Apartheid Activist said, “I’m fighting for the abolition of apartheid. And I fight for the right of freedom of sexual orientation. These are inextricably linked with each other. I cannot be free as a black man if I am not free as a gay man.”
Away from the crowed and pumping music were many danced for hours, someone was heard saying, “I am a Lawyer, you can’t tell me anything.” it came from a feminine lesbian when securities tried to escort females out of the male toilets.
“We don’t mind, we don’t mind, they can share toilets with us, these are our brothers and sisters you can’t discriminate” an angry Gay man proclaimed, forcing security guards to surrender to the situation.
The event was well organized with maximum security, while bottles and cooler boxes were not allowed. Marques with different choice meals were available in numbers.
Paramedics were on standby at the event the whole day and monitored the situation, giving first aid to those who required it.
“We have reserved parking at Gautrain, Sandton City and Radisson Blu. You only pay R10 to keep your car safe and enjoy the festival for free,” said Steven Khan, head of Strategy and Sponsorship Organizing team spokesperson.
Reactions from some who attended the event:
“Johannesburg pride is better. Music is awesome and the vibe is good we enjoying every moment” -Melissa and Nicole
“Turnout is half the Zoo lake and my friends could not come too because of the venue.” -David
“I think I will stick to Soweto pride; can’t stand this music” -Luyanda
“Black entertainers were unhappy for not being slotted in on the program including my fans when they heard that I won’t perform. This is the first pride that I wasn’t considered” –Sicka Star-ban (Mr Lesbian Daveyton and hip hop artist)
Amongst the public figures that attended the festival were Toya Delazy, Samkelo Ndlovu and Sade Giliberti.
We are hoping that all aspects will be considered in the planning phase of future pride marches. As Simone Heradien mentioned that pride is for everyone, let it apply to the entertainment.
With Thobeka and Londeka…
SlyPod with friends at Sandton Pride…
by Sibahle Nkumbi
Sometimes I feel that we get so caught up on our same gender love and forget about where we come from… That sacred and safe space is ever forgotten. We hardly give a bunch of roses to our mothers and yet we claim to love women.
What is the greatest love that is there to be without a mother’s love?
I understand that we do not sleep (I mean have sexual intercourse) with our mothers but oh Bantu let us grant them some love.
Not all of us that still have mothers take time to express their feelings to their moms and not all lesbians write letters to their mothers. The ones that are fortunate enough to have mothers take their existence for granted and those that do not have mothers weep for them daily. This is a letter to my Mom.
Dear Mom
I will never be blessed with another woman like you in my life. I want to thank the Lord for making you my mother and I want to thank you for giving birth to me.
Having a child does not come with a manual you had to teach yourself parenting skills. Firstly, I love you Mommy and I want to apologise for the sleepless nights you had to go through because of me. Let alone the pain you endured while I made all the wrong decisions growing up.
Secondly, I’m deeply thankful for the love you have given me the lessons you taught and showing me how to be a woman in this life.
Lastly I want to express my feelings of being under your guidance from birth up until my 24th year. If tomorrow never comes I don’t want to shed tears drowning in regret and sorrow. “If only” there is something I never want to say should the end comes. I want you to witness me blossoming into a woman you always wanted me to be. My wish is to share all my happiest moments with you, God knows you have always been there through the bad times and rescued me from a lot of things and my time is now to thank you.
Most times as Daughters and Sons of our mothers, we find ourselves distant from our birthplace, this is my way of reconnecting with you Mom.
My Mother, Yintombi yaseMampondweni ezalwa yintombi yaseMaqadini.
Out of 9 children she is the 7th born and her name is Noxolo (meaning a peaceful being). She is indeed my sense of peace in this world. I’m talking about a woman with a big heart full of Love and forgiveness.
She’s not only a mother to me and my siblings but a mother to every child she crosses paths with. The kind of woman that doesn’t sit and watch if you need help.
There’s a phrase that says ‘count your blessings’. That saying has a deeper meaning. when you take time and count your blessings you will realize that that simple act of gratitude will connect you with the things you have started taking for granted.
Momma is getting older now, old age is kicking in and she is still on the grind making sure there is food on the table. She does not owe us anything. She raised us gave and us love and education along with words of wisdom and life lessons. The lessons you don’t need a degree to be able to teach the next generation.
Thank you Mother.
I have heard people close to me that are left on this earth without Mothers saying that they feel their Mothers were gone too soon. Some still weep at the thought of their mothers that are no longer alive wishing for their physical presence on a daily basis.
I asked myself one question: Who am I to take the mother that I have for granted?
While some will do anything for a mother’s love just one more time.
Growing up, Mommy never read any bedtime stories, instead she took time to tell us folk lore every night and stories that would always catch my attention. Now I realise that morals of stories were life lessons. When mother told stories she used to connect us to the story by action and expressions, I understand why I’m a filmmaker. I love sharing stories where people learn lessons from. I take that from Momma. The same stories she told us are still the stories I share with my nephews and nieces. Mommy has made me the strong woman that I am today.
I remember how mother used to fight my battles growing up.
One day I came home crying and asked her why do all my friends stand when they pee and I’m the only boy down?
At one point I thought there was no difference between my male friends until puberty. She sat down and explained why we pee differently but that shouldn’t change anything about who I am because to her I’ll always be her little man.
She came through for me again when an old man asked her why is the youngest girl always in Men business. Correcting him she said “I am a mother of two girls and two boys” the two boys were my little brother and I.
She always came to my rescue and she still makes fun of how I transformed from a little boy to a young woman, today I’m a proud lesbian because of her. She loves supports and advises me everyday. We share a lot in common, those that know me well will describe me as a person that laughs and smiles a lot, and I take those traits from my Momma too. The point I’m stressing here is that all mothers are treasures they deserve our undivided attention, love, respect and care all the time. Once they leave us on this earth the world turns Black, instead of weeping we must be grateful and respectfully know that she has left you with enough to continue facing the world with endurance and patience. I want to be like my mother to my children in the future. It’s the little things that count, offering to massage her when she has back pain, offering tea when she’s thirsty. You don’t have to be rich to make your mother happy.
Mother I have a wish to give your own sanctuary for Dogs. Your love for nature and animals has taught me a lot about understanding God and his creation. I feel like I have four legs instead of two, you have always been and still are my rock.
It’s amazing how easy it is for us to get irritated when our mothers do not understand.
How we shout when they cannot hear us correctly and get grumpy when we have do their laundry. Forgetting that now that they are getting older it is our turn to look after them and make sure they are safe and protected, like they did with us when we were young.
Mother never shouted at me when I was learning to talk. She taught me how to instead. She did not get tired of carrying me on her back simply because I couldn’t walk. The same applies when our mothers get older. The time is now for us to be fe-male(s) enough and appreciate everything they have sacrificed.
After all, if you ill-treat your mother you won’t be capable of loving another woman.
Previous by Siba
2014 Oct. 10: “ I tried to commit suicide…”
Staring at a blank page
Thinking of scenarios to fill it
This life is too bitter for words
Too real for smiles
Words seems too simple to describe the soul within
Withdrawn, weird and strange.
If only this pen could unwrap all the layers of fat in my body
and reveal my broken skeleton.
If these words could unveil my naked brain.
All these weapons tearing me up inside: Caught them by my ears.
Cutting my soul into million pieces,
Dimming the light within.
Taking away from crowds
Shutting all that operates this heart.
If only this pen was connected to my heart,
So it’s ink could write the pen
That is hidden
by this imperfect smile!
© Sesi Mbele
(2014)
