Bongani brings home Sandy - Chapter 17

The day of departure to the city of gold 'Egoli' as it is called, had come for Bongani's other uncle Moses who had never been married . The girls in the village who were looking for a husband came to say goodbye thinking he could change his mind and settle for one of them. How could a man reach fifty years without taking a girl home! A man who bathes cold water says it all!  He will never need a helper to warm his water. But Uncle Moses was just too picky.

His people thought may be that's what he needed. Johannesburg would give him true love. The relatives had already asked Bongani to help his uncle find a wife.

Uncle Moses always considered himself better than others. He acted rich and carried himself with pride. Always spelling all his names after an introduction and insisting on proper pronunciations! Quite intimidating to those with low self esteem.

In the village he ate with forks and knives while others ate with hands or spoons. He held free classes  of how to eat and drink at high class dinners. He always rebuked those that poured a full glass of wine! Never to fill a glass to the brim                      

Uncle Moses had dinner with his relatives and a few friends to say goodbye. On Friday he was travelling to Johannesburg to work and stay there. His words at dinner, "Life does not end at fifty!" Distributing his old clothes to the poor, promised to visit during  ceremonies. He asked his old aunt Anna to live in his house.

Friday afternoon, uncle was ready to go. All dressed up smartly as if he was heading to a ceremony. The single girls still gave him their contact details hoping he would remember to come back for either of them! I wonder if he put them on his waiting list but who knows!

On the bus, he got more numbers. He sat next to a mother with a little girl who called him daddy. He had to play along since the little girl was restless. Every time he held her she calmed down. Little did he know the mother thought they both had a chance. It was late and most passengers fell asleep.

Uncle Moses woke up to find the mother's head leaning on him. He swore never to travel by bus! He whispered, "Sister, please get off me." She said she was sorry. He opened his coca cola to  drink and every body wanted a sip. After sharing the drink, he didn't want it back. Now he was being critised for being unsocial! Eventually, they all slept.

Uncle Moses woke up to an announcement welcoming him to Johannesburg. Bongani was already waiting outside. Oh my God he was relieved. Rivonia was not far. Bongani had already asked Gladys to invite them for dinner.  After a shower and a warm breakfast, uncle went to sleep.

The night was  going to be long. Gladys was determined to get uncle Moses and she went through her wardrobe to choose the perfect Xhosa dress to wear for the dinner. She knew her game and hoped Bongani would know when to leave them alone.

It was dinner. The food was made with love! Bongani bought flowers and chocolates for Gladys. She welcomed them in Xhosa. Not a word of English was spoken. I always salute those other races that honour other cultures.

After dinner, Gladys knelt before uncle Moses to offer him desert. Bongani found an excuse to leave; the culture was getting deep! He said he had a headache and asked Sandy to get him to bed. They both thanked Gladys for a traditional dinner and left.

Uncle felt taken but still  wanted to get his job first. Drinking more wine was not wise. He switched to juice. Next he offerred to wash the dishes as Gladys sang Xhosa traditional love songs as she played the CDS softly.

Uncle didn't knew he had to leave before the date advanced. So after offering him the job, he said he would cook tomorrow to hear more about his job.

When he knocked on the door, Bongani was waiting to be updated.  "Did yo get the job?" He asked. But Uncle just yawned and asked to get some rest. "I can't tell as yet that's why I'm going back for dinner tonight to find out whether I will be hired." "Of course, goodnight, uncle," Said Bongani.

Uncle knew he had found her but still wondered how it had to be too late to have kids. Even if it was a daughter he would be grateful. Was it too late? Of course not! He knew there had to be some herbs to get that child. Gladys knew her womb could only carry Xhosa children. She also wondered why it took her so long to find uncle Moses. She also thought of giving Moses an heir. The next dinner was just for the two of them. She couldn't wait to talk some more.

Sunday night dinner had candles and since it was cold she lit the fire place. They sat on blankets by the fire. As they talked, the distance between them got smaller and smaller! It was like a magnet was moving them closer. The Xhosa soft music was describing the moment. Gladys put something in her eye and asked uncle Moses to help remove it! Uncle removed it but he couldn't compromise his principles.


He wanted to know more about Gladys, why was she living alone. He asked whether she had spent her youth only learning Xhosa! He wanted her but on his terms.He wanted to make the first move. He wanted an honourable date. So he asked to sign the contract and asked her out. He wanted to take her to Maboneng to dance after dinner. He said he wanted to see more of her in another African short dress.

Gladys realised uncle Moses wanted to find out how old she was by looking at her legs! They both shared their youth stories. Gladys having been married to a Xhosa man, gave uncle Moses more hope of a good person.

"Moses thank you for the dinner," Said Gladys. As he picked up the contract, he promised to be a hard worker and said goodbye addressing her as his boss. This time the dinner was short. Tomorrow was work and everyone needed an early night.

Monday was work and uncle Moses was introduced to the staff. They both agreed to go on more dates just to be sure of the right decisions. Bongani is amazed how fast the family is growing.

ZANTON

Bongani brings Sandy home - Chapter 16

The surprise wedding  has been a secret between Notemba and her friend. Notemba  has been buying stuff for the wedding these past two weeks. She chose a red wedding dress with diamond decorations. Her shoes and necklace were made of gold. Afika's suit was red and his tie was gold and his shoes were white.

The best man and the maid of honour wore cream with red shoes. The eight bride maids wore cream with red shoes. The cake was red and gold. The roses were white and red. There had to be lots of meat and chicken at the reception. Rice and potatoes and salads were part of dinner. Notemba wanted only soft drinks and wine for drinks.

In order to convince the relatives to come, Notemba invited them  to celebrate her engagement. Her Pastor back in Cape Town and the church were invited.

Everybody looked nice. Not until the wedding songs started playing did the groom figure out he was getting married! Bongani got suspicious because Notemba had described what she wanted for her wedding.

Bongani whispered into Sandy's ear, "We are next!" Sandy smiled and whispered, " I prefer blue and purple. Don't forget it's white gold and diamonds for the rings." The ushers  came to stop them from talking because the camera was running.

The wedding was beautiful. The  Pastor was very happy and promised to look after the couple. Having a Pastor guide a marriage into success prevents divorces. Marriage is like a course with so much to learn.

Aunt Maggie was beginning to eat but uncle Tabang reminded her of her health. She left early with her boyfriend. They danced the night away.

In the morning Afika booked some holiday place in Zanzibar for one week honey moon. Bongani gave him some money so that he could  act like a responsible husband and also surprise his wife. He also bought the rings as his brother Bongani suggested. Notemba was impressed.

Some grannies came with young girls that were looking for husbands. Notemba's brother was also looking. His friend suggested that he had to put a two hundred rand note wrapped round from inside the glass of drink he was sipping to attract the single girls. This was to be sure of which girls were looking. The girls then one by one came to introduce themselves. He chose one girl that he liked.

Every family has those relatives that lack manners! The uncles could not allow them to come to the party. I always saw how the elders convinced these bad mannered relatives  to stay away when important visitors like inlaws were invited.

Sandy was quite relieved that finally Notemba was married. Bongani too could not say aloud how he felt but his eyes told a good bye story. Xoliswa has heard about her dad's new house and she is already pestering    him to take her just as he promised. Bongani told her to ask her step mother, Sandy. Sandy suggested that she has to wait for Notemba to get back and then they can all go through the rules before she moves in.

The Pastor and church members went back on Sunday to Cape Town  and the relatives that came from Umtata also went back home. Sandy and Angela are both exhausted but at least they won't have to cook for one week. So much left overs from the wedding is packed in the refrigerator. Uncle Tabang and Bongani have been complaining about eating left overs. Aunt Angela has asked the helper to cook for the husbands.

Bongani and Sandy are looking at furniture for their house. They are also planning to build a small house in the village. Pilile wants to go back to the village. Pilile will live in their house there. He will run the 'spaza' which is a small shop. His memory has improved a lot and he wants to look for a village girl who  will give him many children. He says educated girls have too many rules. They can't cook on firewood and grind dry hard maize on a grinding stone. Pilile's grandmother has been telling him about two girls with good manners. They are both waiting to get married. Pilile would love to have two of them but 'lobola' or dowry is too expensive because they are both virgins. He will have to choose one.

Aunt Angela's son has arrived from Malawi. He will sleep in the store room until  Bongani and his family live. He came with a lot of gifts from her mother and the aunties. Uncle Tabang is again worried about the fish smell but aunt Angela has already asked Ronah her sister to keep it in her place.

Uncle Tabang has taken his step son to shop. They bought clothes, shoes and stationary. He then asked him to wait at a shop while he went to toilet. When he came back, the boy was not there. The security in the mall helped look for the boy but couldn't find details him. He then decided to go home and tell Angela his wife. Angela started crying with regrets that he shouldn't have brought him! The boy also  needed the toilet and couldn't find his way back.

Some good person had found him wondering and took him to a Police station because he didn't have the contact telephone number for uncle Tabang or his mother! Uncle Tabang went to report the missing boy only to be told he was right there. Uncle was so excited to find him. He had all his stuff he had bought him. Angela was relieved that he was safely  back home. Uncle gave him an old phone to use. He calls his Malawi mother every day. Tabang has been teaching him how to use a catapult that he  got as a gift from his grandfather when came for the wedding. He with have to wait a while to start school.                      

On Human Rights day most shops were closed. Schools and offices around the  country closed. Uncle Tabang and Bongani went to visit prisons. They took toiletries, good food and chocolates. The prisoners at the mental facilities are the most depressing to see! They  seem to have multi personalities. They are so isolated because they are dangerous!  Giving them medication is quite a challenge. They are so angry and violent.

Sometimes three strong guards have to deal with them. Some of them are usually abandoned by their relatives and friends. Some improve with medication and are released back into society. Although they could be returning to the facility in the next month! I feel their relatives need to be equipped with ways to support them.

Mental facilities need more volunteers to visit and just talk to these patients as most of them are abandoned by  their relatives. Those who improve are allowed to go outside to play games like basket ball, soccer, net ball and more. The aggressive ones are isolated behind bars.

Aunt Angela and  Sandy  spent the Human rights day at an Old Age home. Some of these old people have been abandoned. They are rarely visited by their people. As you grow older, you need to be surrounded with love. The worst are those that have lost their memory.

Aunt Angela took some old music, home cooked food and toiletries. Sandy came with make up and perfume just to make them feel they still got it. The day was well spent with dignity and the elderly begged them to keep coming.   Sandy and aunt Angela agreed to visit twice a month.

ZANTON

Bongani brings home Sandy - Chapter 15

Tabang Bongani's son is doing well at school. He is now up to standard. The teachers like him a lot. He is very good at mathematics and science. He was recently entered into a competition and he won. The school has decided to give him a  scholarship. His parents are so proud of him. His teacher has advised his parents to apply to a private school for a scholarship that caters for everything at a boarding school in Cape Town. Taata feels  he can't leave home so young. The city could swallow him. Uncle Tabang and his dad are mentoring him to go to the mountain for circumcision.

"A boy cannot leave his people  before he learns the Xhosa tradition. An opportunity far from home could ruin a good child," Said uncle Tabang. Sandy his mother suggested that they could apply to a private school in Pretoria and that would be easier on all of them. Bongani his dad said, "Private schools here are also good. Then he can get the traditional food every weekend. Then he can also be groomed into a real man." So Tabang is going to a private school next year if all goes well.

Uncle Pilile is getting used to his relatives. He still hasn't got his memory back but he has pieces of moments of his life flashing in his mind. His girlfriend was informed about Pilile's situation but she said she had moved on. Her parents were already preparing for introduction of Pilile to their relatives. They had already bought a cow for the celebration. Pilile has nightmares but still remembers almost nothing.

On Saturday at two in the morning, got a phone call from his friend's daughter. She was crying as she told the shocking news of gangs shooting her father and mother dead. She called the police but they got away. Her father had  a will he had kept in the safe at his brother's house. The distribution of the money depended on Bongani. He also had another will as to how the money would be distributed when his friend died.

Bongani read the will again and understood what to do. The friend's daughter was only ten years old. Bongani knew he couldn't hand over all the money. Relatives could misuse the money so Bongani said he would look after the family. He took care of the funeral costs. He was advised by the attorney not to attend the funeral lest the gangs would come after him. The gangs came to the funeral but left before the police was called.

"Sandy, we have to look for our own house. The baby will be born in the new house. I don't want us to live in Pretoria. Johannesburg is where we will live, "Said Bongani. Sandy kissed and hugged Taata  with excitement. "Don't speak about it and not even to yourself. People will want to know where we got the money. We are going to start selling our stuff and say we need money for the baby on the way." Bongani suggested in a soft voice. Sandy nodded with a smile.

Bongani started searching for a house in Rivonia. He had heard about Rivonia being a good place to live. It is ten minutes to Sandton so that would mean better jobs. Bongani also wanted to live far from Notemba and his brother.

Once again it was time for a good ride on the Gautrain. After viewing four houses, they found the one. It had two bedrooms upstairs, a study and one bedroom down. The garden very small but nice with roses. The house also had an indoor garden to watch the stars in the night. The agent immediately put the sign outside, SOLD.

Sandy wanted another look. She took measurements for curtains. Taata looked at her and said, "You need to choose our bedroom. Then we can go." "Thanks you Taata." Screamed Sandy. Memories of the shack were coming back and a few tears dropped. Both of them were now so upgraded. As they left, Bongani reminded his wife Sandy not to tell as yet. They both needed to resign first.

They have started selling their stuff to neighbours and friends. Their relatives are worried about them but at the same time, it's none of their business.

Uncle Tabang wants to have a meeting with Bongani but he keeps avoiding him. When he asks Sandy why they are selling their stuff,  she tells him to ask Taata. Notemba has agreed to buy most of their stuff because this will keep reminding her of Bongani. She wanted to buy Bongani's shirts but he refused to sell.

Auntie Maggie has found a thirty year old Congolese man who wants to marry her. She asked him if she reminded him of his mother! He said he was looking for a mature lady who understood what love was about. Ngoyi is handsome and tall like his father. His mother tried to discourage him but he claims age is just a number. Aunt Maggie has received keys from her boyfriend and she is still wondering whether to move in with Ngoyi. Ngoyi has African wear  shop in town. They met when she went to buy a dress to prepare for uncle Pilile's party in the village. He asked her out. Ngoyi is serious and in love. He want to marry aunt Maggie.

Aunt Maggie had started losing weight and she is learning how to use smart phone. Her nephew is teaching her how to use whatts App. She has called a family meeting to ask them for a blessing to move in. Uncle Tabang is surprised how the city transforms people but is happy for her. Ngoyi wants to give a job at the shop. They all thought she was joking but eventually realised aunt was in love.

"I was kidnapped at thirteen years of age and forced into marriage." Said aunt while she was crying. Now the  family agreed she was in love for the first time. This process used to happen until the law stopped it. It was called 'okutwala'. The girls were kidnapped on their way to school, to the well or while looking for firewood. Sometimes a grown up relative was bribed to trick the young girl. Eventually the elders came to introduce themselves to the girls' parents and agreed to pay a fine and after pay the dowry!

Uncle Tabang suggested that before aunt Maggie moved in with Ngoyi, he had to visit and have dinner with the family on next weekend.

Uncle Tabang's wife has asked her husband to let her son that she had before she got married come and live with them. There would be room for him since aunt Maggie was leaving to move in with Ngoyi her boyfriend. Uncle Tabang liked the  boy because he was good mannered. Angela's aunt who had pretended to be the  boy's mum, found it hard to let him go.

Angela asked uncle Tabang her husband to let her go to Malawi. She said she wanted to fetch the boy but uncle Tabang said he would ask the relatives to send him instead.

The aunt wants money to compensate her for looking after the child.  Angela agreed to pay her aunt R2500 every month until she finished the amount of  R100000 that she had asked.

Aunt decided she also wanted to come but after Angela did not agree to her coming, she spilled the beans. Uncle Tabang was in shock to learn that his wife had a son she had never told him about! Everyone in the family was shocked.
Uncle Tabang and his wife were not talking. Aunt Angela went to live with her sister Ronah. Ronah asked to meet with uncle to apologise on behalf of her sister. Uncle Tabang  said he needed time to get used to the idea.

Uncle Tabang was not making sense because his wife had never cheated on him. She had the child before they got married! After Angela had sent him a message claiming she would have to go back on the shelf! Uncle Tabang agreed to forgive his wife and asked her to bring her son. He also agreed to adopt him.

Bongani has learnt how to drive so uncle Tabang asked him to collect his wife. They are back together and the family is complete again. Besides Ngoyi is coming for dinner next week to meet the family. Aunt Maggie has told him great things about the family.

Uncle Tabang wrote his wife a very long letter. He has never written her a letter so long. Aunt Angela then replied also with a very long letter! Will they be friends again? Will they live as an arrangement or carry on as happy couples? Bongani has asked the pastor to help them reconcile. Both of them agreed to get help. The counselling will be once a week.

Uncle Tabang has been behaving like the old Bongani! Drinking a lot and talking in parables. "Sandy tell your aunt I hate her food, I'm not hungry!" Shouted uncle Tabang. That's when Sandy realised where her husband gets it from. The counselling is however helped a lot at least they have started talking to each other.

Bongani is waiting for uncle Tabang to stabilise emotionally then he will tell him about moving to Rivonia. Uncle will probably be proud of him.

A real African man does not display defeat to his in laws not even when they ask to help him sort things out. His wife and children are his pride. He always leads and commands respect from both his family and the community. So uncle Tabang and Angela his wife have a home to be proud of. Notemba is finally decided to marry in the family too. It is going to be a wonderful surprise on Saturday this week.                      

ZANTON

Bongani brings home Sandy - Chapter 14

It was a rainy day in Pretoria with thunder storms. Aunt Maggie was dreaming while  doing activities with her late relatives in the  village. In the dream, she was screaming and begging them not to take her. And as she struggled, the nurse that had come to check her blood pressure ran to call the doctor. The doctor woke her up and asked her what she was dreaming about and she laughed realising it was only a dream. The doctor gave her the good news. Aunt Maggie was going home but had to follow a strict diet. She was so excited because she missed gossiping and  eating together with her  relatives.

Two more relatives had arrived from the village to take aunt Maggie home. They said her animals need her and around her home needed weeding. Aunt Maggie wants to live not far from a good hospital and she no longer wants to go back. Uncle Tabang has promised to hire some relatives to look after the home. The relatives have agreed to go back without aunt Maggie.

There is a program on television called 'Kumbula Ekaya' that  the family likes to watch every week. Suddenly they saw uncle Pilile begging for his relatives to come and get him at a mall he hangs out. He said he had a cleaning job at the mall and said he lost his memory.  Luckily he had a contact number.

All the relatives calling each other in shock were wondering who they buried! The guy they had burried looked exactly like Pilile. They got a call from someone who has been in a terrible accident with the late whose name was also Pilile. Some poor families never claim the bodies of their relatives. The state eventually has to bury them if no one claims.

However, nothing added up regarding his death. It was late so they called Pilile in the morning. Uncle Tabang assured the relatives that he was going to fetch him. It was going to be a big celebration.

Pilile got uncle Tabang's call and after checking the DNA, it was confirmed that Pilile was their relative.  The first celebration was at uncle Tabang's home and then after one month they were having another one back in the village. Pilile could not remember what happened to him. He was in hospital for eight months due to injuries on his head from an accident in Johannesburg. The hospital staff said someone brought him there and paid his bills.

The relatives told him he went to work and never returned. Everybody thought he wanted to abandon his girl friend. Uncle Tabang gave him a job at the supermarket.
The home is too crowded so uncle Tabang has rented a room for Pilile.

Sandy was tidying her bedroom only to find a bag in the wardrobe full of money! Sandy always dealt with things between her and Bongani her husband in their bedroom.

After dinner she asked Taata to come for some tea in their bedroom. She asked him if they got rich  already to move out. "Just because Notemba has a good job it doesn't mean it is our money!" Shouted Bongani.  Sandy just started crying and Bongani said he was sorry.  Sandy got the bag of money and opened it in front of Bongani!  "Taata, is this your money?" Asked Sandy. Bongani said it was for his friend.
"When my friend invited me for a drink last week, there was a shoot out and my friend asked me to run with his bag! He said the gang was after him. So escaped with the bag and left him wounded. I just hope he survived. I am waiting for his call. He said if he died I would then give the money to his wife after taking off a third of it. I met this guy at the zoo when I went with Xoliswa," Said Bongani.  Bongani asked Sandy not to tell anyone. Sandy just nodded and told Taata to help her make the bed.

Sandy has discovered a very good Pentecostal church at Hatfield. Bongani and uncle Tabang are both afraid of cults. After listening to their radio programs,  they decided to try it out. Uncle Tabang said he was going to organise transport for everybody to attend.
Uncle Tabang has not been to church for many years. Sunday has been family day. The family just eats together and tell jokes and stories.

Aunt Angela's sister Ronah has just called her to tell her the good news. She is pregnant. Piet her boyfriend is so excited. All the relatives in Malawi have been informed. Piet is already suggesting names. She is only three weeks pregnant. Piet is already looking for a bigger house for both of them to move in. Angela has asked Piet to first marry her sister. So Piet is going to Malawi with his uncle's next month.                      

Tabang Bongani's son is doing well at school. He is now up to standard. The teachers like him a lot. He is very good at mathematics and science. He was recently entered into a competition and he won. The school has decided to give him a  scholarship. His parents are so proud of him. His teacher has advised his parents to apply to a private school for a scholarship that caters for everything at a boarding school in Cape Town. Taata feels  he can't leave home so young. The city could swallow him. Uncle Tabang and his dad are mentoring him to go to the mountain for circumcision. "A boy cannot leave his people  before he learns the Xhosa tradition. An opportunity far from home could ruin a good child," Said uncle Tabang. Sandy his mother suggested that they could apply to a private school in Pretoria and that would be easier on all of them. Bongani his dad said, "Private schools here are also good. Then he can get the traditional food every weekend. Then he can also be groomed into a real man." So Tabang is going to a private school next year if all goes well.                      

Bongani was so tired on Friday evening after work. He had supper and an early night. Sandy came to bed at ten only to find Taata talking in his sleep. He was dreaming about Notemba! As he called out Notemba's name, he screamed, "That's ticklish! That's ticklish, stop it!" Sandy slapped him twice and when he woke up, she asked him, "What  were you dreaming about?" Bongani was ashamed and said he could not remember. Sandy just let it go. Besides, Notemba has been given to Afika her brother in law.

Xoliswa was supposed to go with her dad to the zoo on Saturday. Bongani had already called Notemba and told her that she would pick her up in a Uber. Instead Notemba suggested that she could drop her off! Bongani couldn't agree to this because he thought  his wife would be upset. Remember she heard Taata calling Notemba's name in a dream!

Bongani left very early at five in the morning before work. They were all still in their pyjamas. Afika went to open the gate as Notemba was helping Xoliswa get ready.

Afika whispered to Bongani, "This woman knows how to make the bed and I'm going to marry her one day. It was worth sending back the letters she wrote!" Bongani was so angry and hit Afika. Afika just laughed and reminded Bongani he was doing it for the family. Notemba did not see them fighting. Finally, Bongani got to find out that his brother  sent back the letters Notemba wrote Bongani. He claimed he was doing him a favour because he was too young to be a father.

Xoliswa ran and hugged her dad and they left. Xoliswa was excited to meet the family. Breakfast was served as soon as they arrived. Lots of meat and 'pap' which is maize flour added to boiling water slowly and mingled with a wooden spoon until it is thick enough to look like mashed potatoes.  You know that relative that meets your child for the first time and claims they look like them! That was auntie Maggie. Uncle pulled the chair out for Xoliswa, and as they all laughed, he said they should give  thanks and eat.

After the heavy breakfast, tea and biscuits were served. Notemba called Xoliswa to hear how it was going, and she just said it was so much love. Xoliswa was already asking if she could move in but her dad said she had to wait for him to buy a house.  Xoliswa had to wait as her dad had to work half day. Tabang showed her around the house and they played games.

In the afternoon, Bongani and his wife were back from work. Again so much meat and a variety of colourful dishes were served for lunch. Amos and his Afrikaner girl friend Karina were also invited. Karina brought 2 bottles of wine, and milk tart and flowers for uncle Tabang's wife Angela.

Uncle Tabang gave Karina a gift of binoculars and told her to look after Amos.  Amos just laughed. Karina whispered in Amos' ear, "Lovely family" Amos was so surprised how Karina was blending in!

They all sat down to eat and told funny stories and laughed. Auntie Maggie was reminded of family gatherings back home in the village.

Bongani and his daughter Xoliswa had to excuse themselves to go to the Pretoria Zoo. Tabang wanted to go but his mum promised him the next weekend. Besides Taata needed to bond with his daughter Xoliswa. At the zoo, Xoliswa was screaming at the animals.  She took pictures and sent her friends.

Afika and Notemba went shopping for groceries. Afika decided to buy a parrot for Xoliswa just to win her over. When she came home and saw the parrot, she screamed, "Thanks you mummy," Notemba then told her to thank Afika.  For the first time she hugged him and thanked him.

Afika likes cleaning the house and cooks nice food so Notemba doesn't have to eat takeaways.  Notemba has always been attracted to bossy guys but one that cooks is a bonus. She is trying to find out Afika's weakness but I hope she won't find out that he sent the letters back that she wrote to Bongani.

Bongani felt he had spent so much time  away from home. He wanted to check whether Sandy was feeling neglected. He called her and whispered 'sweet nothings' and Sandy was just supportive. He bought her a chocolate and when he arrived home, Sandy screamed, "Taata I'm missed you!" But Bongani just whistled because he knew he was still boss.

The smell of Malawi fish is too strong for uncle Tabang! Angela has asked Piet her sister's boyfriend to take it to her house. He likes Malawi fish and Angela thinks they could cook together and make up. Piet first had flowers and candy delivered to Ronah and then arrived with the Malawi fish! She opens the door and Piet says, "I'm sorry, can I cook for you? " Ronah grabs him and kisses him. They cooked and talked   things through. Goodness! A fight over the wrong eggs, how could this ruin such a big love.

After a good family weekend, auntie Maggie collapsed. Uncle Tabang rushed her to hospital and luckily enough she had a minor stroke! How could auntie Maggie escape with so much meat indulging! Especially the craving for fat! Thank God auntie survived. Notemba still needs her support. Uncle Tabang has asked the doctor to tell auntie Maggie how  to eat right because she would never listen to any one. She was already asking for fatty meat and saying vegetable salads make her feel like she is grazing.

ZANTON

Bongani brings home Sandy - Chapter 13

Bongani was so tired on Friday evening after work. He had supper and an early night. Sandy came to bed at ten only to find Taata talking in his sleep. He was dreaming about Notemba! As he called out Notemba's name, he screamed, "That's ticklish! That's ticklish, stop it!" Sandy slapped him twice and when he woke up, she asked him, "What  were you dreaming about?" Bongani was ashamed and said he could not remember. Sandy just let it go. Besides, Notemba has been given to Afika her brother in law.

Xoliswa was supposed to go with her dad to the zoo on Saturday. Bongani had already called Notemba and told her that she would pick her up in a Uber. Instead Notemba suggested that she could drop her off! Bongani couldn't agree to this because he thought  his wife would be upset. Remember she heard Taata calling Notemba's name in a dream!

Bongani left very early at five in the morning before work. They were all still in their pyjamas. Afika went to open the gate as Notemba was helping Xoliswa get ready.

Afika whispered to Bongani, "This woman knows how to make the bed and I'm going to marry her one day. It was worth sending back the letters she wrote!" Bongani was so angry and hit Afika. Afika just laughed and reminded Bongani he was doing it for the family. Notemba did not see them fighting. Finally, Bongani got to find out that his brother  sent back the letters Notemba wrote Bongani. He claimed he was doing him a favour because he was too young to be a father.

Xoliswa ran and hugged her dad and they left. Xoliswa was excited to meet the family. Breakfast was served as soon as they arrived. Lots of meat and 'pap' which is maize flour added to boiling water slowly and mingled with a wooden spoon until it is thick enough to look like mashed potatoes.  You know that relative that meets your child for the first time and claims they look like them! That was auntie Maggie. Uncle pulled the chair out for Xoliswa, and as they all laughed, he said they should give  thanks and eat.

After the heavy breakfast, tea and biscuits were served. Notemba called Xoliswa to hear how it was going, and she just said it was so much love. Xoliswa was already asking if she could move in but her dad said she had to wait for him to buy a house.  Xoliswa had to wait as her dad had to work half day. Tabang showed her around the house and they played games.

In the afternoon, Bongani and his wife were back from work. Again so much meat and a variety of colourful dishes were served for lunch. Amos and his Afrikaner girl friend Karina were also invited. Karina brought 2 bottles of wine, and milk tart and flowers for uncle Tabang's wife Angela.

Uncle Tabang gave Karina a gift of binoculars and told her to look after Amos.  Amos just laughed. Karina whispered in Amos' ear, "Lovely family" Amos was so surprised how Karina was blending in!

They all sat down to eat and told funny stories and laughed. Auntie Maggie was reminded of family gatherings back home in the village.

Bongani and his daughter Xoliswa had to excuse themselves to go to the Pretoria Zoo. Tabang wanted to go but his mum promised him the next weekend. Besides Taata needed to bond with his daughter Xoliswa. At the zoo, Xoliswa was screaming at the animals.  She took pictures and sent her friends.

Afika and Notemba went shopping for groceries. Afika decided to buy a parrot for Xoliswa just to win her over. When she came home and saw the parrot, she screamed, "Thanks you mummy," Notemba then told her to thank Afika.  For the first time she hugged him and thanked him.

Afika likes cleaning the house and cooks nice food so Notemba doesn't have to eat takeaways.  Notemba has always been attracted to bossy guys but one that cooks is a bonus. She is trying to find out Afika's weakness but I hope she won't find out that he sent the letters back that she wrote to Bongani.

Bongani felt he had spent so much time  away from home. He wanted to check whether Sandy was feeling neglected. He called her and whispered 'sweet nothings' and Sandy was just supportive. He bought her a chocolate and when he arrived home, Sandy screamed, "Taata I'm missed you!" But Bongani just whistled because he knew he was still boss.

The smell of Malawi fish is too strong for uncle Tabang! Angela has asked Piet her sister's boyfriend to take it to her house. He likes Malawi fish and Angela thinks they could cook together and make up. Piet first had flowers and candy delivered to Ronah and then arrived with the Malawi fish! She opens the door and Piet says, "I'm sorry, can I cook for you? " Ronah grabs him and kisses him. They cooked and talked   things through. Goodness! A fight over the wrong eggs, how could this ruin such a big love.

After a good family weekend, auntie Maggie collapsed. Uncle Tabang rushed her to hospital and luckily enough she had a minor stroke! How could auntie Maggie escape with so much meat indulging! Especially the craving for fat! Thank God auntie survived. Notemba still needs her support. Uncle Tabang has asked the doctor to tell auntie Maggie how  to eat right because she would never listen to any one. She was already asking for fatty meat and saying vegetable salads make her feel like she is grazing.

ZANTON

Bongani brings home Sandy - Chapter 12

The Universities have opened for first year students and Amos has already started his medical degree. He already has a friend called Karina from Stellenbosch. She comes from a place of wine farms and is teaching Amos how to swim. Amos is also teaching Karina how to do a Pansula and Kwaito. Karina is an Afrikaner girl who lost her mother at three years old. She was raised by a Black  American step mother whom her dad met in Thailand on a business trip.

Bongani and Sandy have also started their Business degree online with UNISA University.

Uncle Tabang and his wife Angela are still in Malawi on holiday for another week. Angela gets to see her son she had before marriage.
Uncle Tabang has asked his friend to transport his family to and fro whenever.

Since Notemba has been trying to win over Bongani's relatives, auntie Maggie has agreed to come and plead with Bongani to take Notemba as second wife. At the same time Sandy still has to find who hid the letters that Notemba wrote to Bongani to inform him of the pregnancy! She has to surround herself with the relatives that will support her. Also the family pastor back home is like family to the entire family.

It is Saturday morning and auntie Maggie has arrived like a surprise! She came by bus from Umtata to Pretoria. She arrived with five alive chickens and two sheep. The animals were in cages with food  and water. Auntie Maggie has always been afraid to travel very far. She says there is not enough food in the cities! She also carried beans and dry maize to make 'umngqusho'. It is a very nutritious meal boiled for three to five hours. When it is soft, salt is added but some people fry it with tomatoes, onions and spices.

The helper was very kind to auntie Maggie. She locked up the animals in the store and showed her to Amos' bed. After a shower, auntie had breakfast. The helper aimed to impress just like in the village. She cut the slices of bread three times thicker than the normal slice. Spread on a very thick layer of margarine and lots of jam. Two fried eggs and a sausage. The tea had lots of milk   and sugar. After her breakfast, auntie went to sleep.

Auntie Maggie woke up in the afternoon and asked where Bongani and Sandy were. They were at work for half day. They had woken up earlier before auntie arrived. The helper called Bongani and Sandy to let them know about the visitor.

Bongani called uncle Tabang and they both came to a conclusion that it has to be Notemba's arrangement! Now a family meeting was going to take place definitely. Uncle Tabang had to cut his holiday short.

Auntie Maggie was helping to cook dinner while she sang traditional songs that the helper joined in. They both gossiped and auntie was reminded of the old days when she was young. Girls in the village did things like fetching water at wells and gathered firewood together.

Bongani and Sandy were excited about the traditional food when they got home. Bongani  had to contact the abattoir to slaughter the animals before the kids named them as their pets.

Uncle Tabang and Angela his wife arrived on Sunday evening. Of course Angela brought delicacies. Notemba called auntie Maggie everyday to push for her marriage to Bongani. On Monday evening after work, Uncle Tabang took his sister Maggie out to dinner in Sandton. They talked about the situation and agreed to postpone the meeting since this would put a strain on Sandy as she was expecting. But Uncle Tabang suggested that Notemba could be given to Bongani's elder brother Afika who lost his wife three years ago. Then he could raise the kids as his own. After all he was as educated as Notemba. Auntie Maggie agreed that this would be a solution.

It was up to auntie Maggie to create opportunities for both of them to meet. Would this work? Afika was given a long talk on the phone by auntie Maggie and he agreed to try it out. Afika thought he needed to ask Bongani first.

Bongani was not happy at first but he couldn't have both women! Notemba agreed to meet Afika. It was many years since they last saw each other at the shop where Bongani introduced him as his brother.

Notemba didn't want to look desperate so she suggested that they could be friends and see where this would lead them. Afika was more handsome and soft personality.  He was more exposed and well travelled. Bongani was more of a boss with strong personality.

Uncle Tabang visited Amos  and was surprised that his best friend was Karina. Karina spoke well and impressed uncle. Uncle invited Karina for lunch  next weekend. All the relatives can't wait to meet her.                      

Notemba got a job at Steve Biiko hospital but she lives in Lynnwoodridge  because she wanted Xoliswa to attend school there. Afika keeps visiting and this arrangement is working.  They are both beginning to hold hands as they walk. Xoliswa keeps asking her mother whether she will get married to her dad Bongani! Looks like Notemba is falling for Afika even if he is not Boss. However Bongani is planning to pick up his daughter neat weekend. Xoliswa is excited to spend the day with her dad. She has always wanted
to see the animals at the zoo.

Afika is visiting and Notemba has prepared a romantic night. "Afika, it has to rain on the ocean even if it is filled with water", said Notemba. Afika had to figure out what the ocean was!  So Afika laughs and says, "I'm coming to measure the pregnancy! " Why does it have to be parables? The villagers' romance is never obvious. Interpretations are hard work for me. And that's how Afika moved in with Notemba.

Afika is a high school teacher who could easily find  a job in Pretoria. He has applied to teach at the schools there.

Auntie Maggie keeps on checking on Notemba.  She brought pregnancy 'muti' traditional herbs. Sandy likes the herbs but Notemba prefers to depend on hospital care.

Auntie Maggie will only go back home in three weeks time. She wants to see peace between all the relatives.  I hope Sandy will forgive Notemba for cheating on her with Bongani. Looks like she has to or auntie Maggie will have to discipline her.

ZANTON

Bongani brings home Sandy - Chapter 11

Valentine's day was a day to remember for all the couples except Notemba. She was expecting a call from Bongani but he was too busy spicing up things with Sandy. He has not even taken steps to make Notemba his second wife! Notemba has applied for a transfer to Pretoria. She will be able to get it because there are many jobs for medical doctors.

Notemba is trying to get Bongani's relatives on her side by sending them gifts and money. I doubt the relatives would force Bongani to marry Notemba. But who knows!

Bongani is taking Sandy to Maboneng. A small place with good food, shops and  entertainment preserving South African culture.

Bongani booked airbnb in Kensington five minutes drive to Maboneng. In Pretoria, they got on Gautrain bus to the Gautrain station. They had never been on a fast train with air conditioning.

Just over thirty minutes, they were at Park station in Johannesburg. They caught a Gautrain bus to the Absa Square.

The walls fencing the Square were decorated with paintings of South African cultures. The benches next to the
walls, were built in small compartments and couples seemed to love sitting there. The benches were covered with mosaic tiles that were painted with bright colours. They had pictures of South African coins, township spaza shops and street vendors. Bongani was reminded of their simple life back home. As they sat to take pictures, he said to his wife, "These benches bring couples together. We should come again and sit here." Sandy smiled and handed Bongani a chocolate.

They both kept biting off the chocolate together. Bongani saw most couples cuddling and said, "Let's go before we do strange things in public."

Holding Sandy's hand Bongani led her to the local taxis to Kensington. Bongani remembered the Jeppe place where he got caught up in the shoot out. He didn't want to talk about it.

Shortly they arrived at the airbnb and were received by a kind old lady. The room had dinner and desert on the small table. The double bed had rose petals sprinkled on it. The aroma in the room was not too strong but smelt fresh. Inside the  cupboards, were toiletries, towels, gowns and bedroom slippers. A room with its own entrance was just what they needed.

After dinner they had a shower and exchanged gifts. Sandy said, "Taata we will have too many kids if keep coming here!" Bongani laughed and said, only one more is enough. We need to name him Bongani if he is a boy and Sandy if it is a girl."

Sandy had been given stuff she had never seen as plastic gifts from her friend at work! Her friend said it was a surprise to spice up things. She showed Bongani  but he also did not know what they were! Sandy asked the old lady what they were and she laughed and said. They are intimate toys.

Bongani was shocked that some people use plastics instead of people! "Sandy, I'm not giving you away to plastics, we need to throw them away. We played with toys when we were little!" So Sandy laughed as she threw the toys away.

Bongani put the necklace made of pearls on Sandy that he got her. Sandy helped put the watch on Bongani's wrist that she got Taata. Taata whispering said, "Today we will make the bed in our own way!

They took a Uber to East Gate mall to buy some gifts for the kids. Came back to keep the gifts and went to Maboneng.

Maboneng was full of people. A number of musicians had come to  perform. Both their moves were outdated but they were there to have fun! Being pregnant, Sandy danced gently going round her husband with a slow twerking. Bongani was doing Pansula  and a bit of kwaito! To him age was just a number. Memories of former Transkei homeland  were so alive in both their heads.

It was now ten O'clock and Bongani told his wife Sandy, "We will finish this dance while making the bed." So they left.

At five in the morning they left for Pretoria. The helper had already organised the kids. A friend of uncle Tabang was going to be taking the family to school and work.

Uncle Tabang surprised his wife by flying to Malawi. They spent the day indoors in a hotel. He gave her another diamond ring and Angela his wife gave him a tie that she bought from her friend who sells French outfits.

It has been three years since Angela visited home. The next day they visited the relatives. Uncle Tabang looked as young as they last saw him. A saying, 'Black don't crack', was so right. Some girls walked as though they were twerking in slow motion! Uncle had to ignore them. He didn't want his in laws to think little of him.  The thing uncle Tabang has for girls from Malawi has to stay in his head!

Angela got a small note from her sister. It was from her ex. He wanted to pick up  from  where they stopped! She has a mixed race son with her ex that uncle Tabang does not know about. This was before they got married.  Her auntie raised him as her child and he thinks that's his mother!  After the delivery, she used tightening herbs in order to be like a virgin!  Uncle Tabang knows he married a virgin.

Angela's ex is blackmailing her. He is threatening to tell her husband about the secret if she doesn't sleep with him. She tried to give him money but he refused.
Angela has teamed up with her ex's wife that he abandoned. Angela promised to see him in the dark. Her ex agreed to the deal in the dark. So in the evening it looked like there was power cut at the house! After the deal, his wife that he had abandoned, switched on the lights and he was surprised. He shouted! "How could you trick me? So I guess I need time to think." But his wife moved back and he didn't throw her out.

Ronah spent valentine's  day with Piet at Gold Reef city. They both went on rides although they stayed in doors most of the day. Flowers and chocolates  were exchanged for gifts. Piet is quite old fashioned. He read her  love letters he had been writing whenever he missed her. In the morning, Piet ordered the wrong eggs for breakfast. Ronah stormed out leaving Piet behind. She has done this a number of times! They will probably make up.

Amos uncle Tabang's nephew, kept his door locked. He spent  valentine's day mostly in his room. The helper is chasing after him. He just called home.

Uncle Tabang and his wife will come back in two weeks time. Sandy and Ronah will keep eyes on things in the businesses. Universities will open soon. Bongani and Sandy will start their online business degree.

ZANTON