My name is Nokuthula. There is a story behind my name. I was given the name by mom. My father wasn’t with my mother when she gave birth. My mom was only 19 years old. She was forced to leave school and make a living for herself because she was pregnant with me. For greener pastures she had to leave the house with me. She was in pain without anyone.
I love my name because my mom gave it to me when she was in pain with no one with her. She wanted quiet and she wanted peace, that is why she named ‘Nokuthula’. She wanted peace and quietness. My mother wanted me to leave peace and quietness everywhere I go. The sound of my name is very important to me. My name is everything to me. My name is my identity. I am proud of my name and surname.

I also have a nickname that I was given by my grandmother. I didn’t like the nickname because of mother and father issues. I don’t know the meaning of it ‘Tsoboyane’. I don’t like that nickname because every time when I go to the Eastern Cape everyone calls me that.

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This piece of writing was created as part of the WritingMe Writing Clubs with Sophumelela High School, Western Cape. Find out more here.