GOOD MORNING, MR MANDELA: THE PRE-REVIEW

 

I’m currently reading “Good Morning, Mr Mandela” by Zelda la Grange. I was attracted to this book, not by the uproar it brought about, but by curiosity to know what happened behind the scenes in Mandela’s life. Who better to spill the beans than his private secretary who was by his side at all times.

Zelda started working in the presidential office at the beginning of Mandela’s term as president. This is the time when the stringent wheels of change were vigorously spinning. She represented every trait of an enemy and yet somehow she won his heart and trust. Her role later extended to that of a source of comfort and an assurer, so much that he asked her to continue working for him when he retired. They maintained a strong bond until the end of Mandela’s life.

I therefore wanted to know what influenced this strong bond between one of the most admired men in history and this real boeremeisie (as Mandela often teased her).  I’m only in the second quarter of the book but I’ve already zoomed into some juicy inside information, from unpleasant exchanges between heads of state to paddling under the water that seemed like calm waters in the public eye. When countless books have been written about Mandela’s life, this is no doubt a fresh angle.

Zelda has been widely criticized for taking advantage of her position to make money or to paint certain members of the Mandela family black (no pun intended).

Maybe South Africans and interested people of the world deserve to know the stories she tells in this book.  Maybe as a former official of a high level office she owed to keep some things to herself.  I guess people will have their views.

Let me keep reading. I promise to give a full review once I finish this enticing book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A GLORIOUS SUNDAY IN THE MOTHER CITY

The Mother City has been showcasing some spring previews lately. I appreciate the warm sunny days in between the cold, wet and windy weather.

After having made over 200 sandwiches for the needy with a team of awesome women and having paid my dues in church, I treated myself to an indulgent brunch of egg benedict and peppermint tea. Yum!

Now enjoying a glorious afternoon in the garden. The sun is shining bright, bugs are buzzing and jazz is playing in the background. It feels good to just let my afro down. Every queen deserves a lazy Sunday with no obligation or stress. Pure bliss.

MONDAY INSPIRATION

STRENGHT AND RESILIENCE RUN IN MY FAMILY

I spent Women’s Day with all the mothers in my bloodline - my grandmother who moulded my faith and beliefs, my mother who has always been a fountain of love and a safe nest and my aunts who are an extension of my mother through their love and care.

Although we had gathered for a funeral of our beloved Mkhulu, it was very significant to spend such a day with women who have contributed in my upbringing.  

In my life these women represent inkatha – the woven grass coil used by Zulu women to carry heavy loads on their heads. This coil is placed at the centre of the head to provide stability and strength. It makes a load easier to carry and provides support through the journey.

 

 



I appreciate the sisterhood chain that holds these women together.  Each of them has had many mountains to climb and yet none of them conquered alone. They’ve always supported each other without judgement. They continue to face life’s challenges and yet this chain remains intact, bound by love.

I thought about how they’ve played an active role in raising each other’s children. They’ve even welcomed strangers into their homes and made them family. This came naturally to them. They didn’t consider how much money they had or worried about how their lifestyles would be changed by an extra person in their care. When the need presented itself, they simply provided without seeing this as a challenge.

Strength and resilience truly run in my family.

It’s my turn now to nurture, support and be an example to the ones that are looking up to me. I still have a lot to learn about selflessness, so help me God.



It's Friday!!!

THIS WOMAN’S JOURNEY

August is Women’s Month and the 09th day of this month is National Women’s Day in South Africa.  This is a tribute to thousands of women that marched to the Union Buildings on 09 August 1956 in protest against pass laws.

Since then, our Constitution has taken strides towards women empowerment and emancipation. Though there has been considerable improvement over the years, there are still many intertwined challenges that need to be tackled.

Women are still marginalised in their homes, communities and workplaces. The rate of sexual violence in this country remains one of the highest in the world, with an estimated 500, 000 cases of rape every year.  Domestic violence, poverty and HIV/AIDS also remain prevalent.

 

 

It’s not all doom and gloom though. Women have a lot to celebrate and a lot to be celebrated for.

My hope is that this Women’s Month will encourage discussions that bring about solutions and invoke social change. I look forward stories of women who have gone against all odds and done extraordinary things. May these stories break silences and inspire.

May every woman feel special and valued; from a woman in Camps Bay to a woman in Khayelitsha, from a married mother to a single mother and from an executive at a large corporation to a cashier at a supermarket. As much as so many factors divide us, there is an undeniable strong thread that weaves between us, making us the same.

May this month be a celebration of every woman’s journey.

 

 

 

HAPPY WOMEN’S MONTH, MY QUEENS!

WATHINTA ABAFAZI, WATHINTA IMBOKODO - YOU STRIKE A WOMAN, YOU STRIKE A ROCK!