I asked my father one day, “Why was I given the name, Siphesihle? What’s the meaning of it?”

As an answer to my questions I received a pleasant smile from my dad as he came closer and sat next to me in that one-roomed RDP house full of warmth which I live in; in a location situated near the river.

As he sat next to me with his hand on my left shoulder, the sun folding its wings that dazzle as it sinks into his nest – ukutsona kwelanga – to me dad said, “Because you are a gift from God. I have given to you this name because you brought to me hope.” For a moment I was baffled by that word ‘hope’. What was he referring to by that word ‘hope’?

I later found out I was the 14th first-born because my mother had been having miscarriages for 13 years. Dad told me in the 14th year, when mom was finally pregnant for the 14th time, he would always pray almost every day for everything to go well during the time of labour: mom giving birth to me.

Finally I was there, breathing for the first time. I guess I happened to be a miracle. Dad said I brought joy to everyone, including him, and swore to teach me about life and tell me about his life before I was born.

My father and I had the best ever memories from the village I grew up in, that shines like the brightest tooth in the jaws of distance – Lusikisiki is the name. Near the small village called Hombe there lies a forest in Cebekwana called ‘Mission’. I thought me and dad went there to hunt but it was to see monkeys for the first time: he loved animals and taught me to love them as well.

He told me many things about my people and the stories used to be told by the greybeard; stories of ancient battles as the villagers grouped together gaily around the crackling fire. He would tell me about the cattle-races of the days of old and about the fearless hunters bold enough to face a lion’s roar.

He taught me how to watch over a cattle in the veld which we refer to as ‘ukwelusa inkomo’. He showed me leaves that can heal a cough and fever namely, isihawuhawu and umhlonyane.

Because of the old age of my grandfathers, I never got too attached to him to tell me stories about my people in his olden days. He was always quiet most of the time: he talked less only to phrase out “he was hungry”.

Above all I admire my father for the most important things he taught me about life before passing away. I still remember he said to me whenever I wanted to communicate with him when he happened to be no longer. I should use ‘impepho’. He was a great father.

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This was one of the commended entries in the My Father essay writing competition. Click here to read other excellent essays from the competition.