“Being raised by my grandmother has been such a blessing to me. I have learnt a lot from that lady, she has always taught me to be myself and never forget where I come from. Most importantly I have learnt commitment always results in success. My name is Sange Dulu, thank you.”

The class applauded as Sange headed to her seat. The teacher, Mrs. M, seemed quite impressed by this young girl’s speech. Everyone could tell she was going to get the highest mark. The bell rang and the learners were preparing to go to break when the teacher said, “Okay grade twelves that is it for today, and enjoy your break.

“Ms Dulu, may I please have a word with you?” Mrs. M said with a big smile on her face as she motioned Sange towards her.

“Yes ma’am?” said Sange with a smile.

“That was such an inspirational speech, well done. Which institution do you want to go to next year? I hope you have already applied because we are only left with two months,” said Mrs. M while looking straight into her eyes with a bit of concern.

“Thank you so much ma’am, I am so glad you are impressed. I have applied at the University of Johannesburg; I will be studying Psychology,” said Sange with a slight smile.

“Oh wow! I am so glad you are taking your future this seriously as we all want what is best for you. After all your grandmother’s hard work to raise you up and be this intelligent, you have a bright future. Make us proud,” Mrs. M said while embracing her on her left shoulder and left the classroom. Mrs. M’s words left this young girl thinking, keep that vision alive, I believe in you, those were her grandmother’s words whenever they talked about going to university. The idea of leaving her grandmother and starting a new life scared her.

After three months, Sange had already packed because the following day would be the day she was leaving for Johannesburg, the most loved city!

“I am so proud of you, mntana wam. When your mother died, I had told myself that I would make sure that you become the woman you wanted to be; and that is exactly what I am doing,” said Mam’Dulu as tears fell down her cheeks. She was scared, anxious because her only grandchild was going to be all alone in a city she had never been before.

“Sange, before we go, please promise one thing,” she was looking her straight in the eyes, “I want you to promise me that you will never change into a person I do not know; I want you to follow your dreams and be the woman of your dreams. Do not make any bad choices by following people you do not know. Please, promise me that you will not get yourself in any kind of trouble,” said granny.

“I promise, gogo,” she said, holding back tears. The following day Sange and her grandmother were accompanied by one of the neighbors with a car. When they arrived at the bus station granny said, “Mntana wam, do not forget the promise you made. Keep contact with me,” she said as she embraced her.

On the way to Johannesburg, she kept on admiring the view from her window when she noticed a guy looking at her.

“Missing home already?” the guy said mockingly.

“That’s a nice view,” Sange said with a slight smile.

“I know right,” the guy in front of her seat said and continued, “Oh, where are my manners, my name is Sikhulile, but you can call me Sikhu; those who know me call me Siks.”

“Sange, I’ll call you Siks as well,” she said while shaking hands.

“So…I saw your mom and dad when they were accompanying you; do have relatives in Gauteng?” Siks was now trying to keep the small talk going.

“Oh, those are not my parents, that beautiful lady is my grandmother and she’s all I have; we were accompanied by our neighbor,” Sange smiled.

“Oh, wow he’s generous and your granny is beautiful, just like you,” Siks smiled uncontrollably.

“Thank you, you don’t look bad yourself,” said Sange.

“So, you say you do not have any relatives in Gauteng?” Siks asked curiously.

“No. I am going to the University of Johannesburg to study.”

“Oh wow, I am a second-year student there doing Accounting,” Siks said.

“Oh, wow that is awesome,” Sange said.

The conversation continued until they both fell asleep. Halfway through their journey, the bus stopped.

Tell us: Do you think Siks and Sange would make a good couple?