Tshepo

Tshepo was from Bakenburg in Limpop, 45 kilometres from Mokopane Town. He was 25 years old and single with two kids from a girl he fell in love with when he was 18. He started chasing girls at the age of 15. He repeated matric three times and finally passed to go to University. When he was 20 he travelled to Joburg, in search of work after attending the University of Limpopo. His sister Mumsy gave him accommodation while he looked for work. Mumsy rented a two-roomed house in Germiston.

“I got the job at Anglo Platinum outside the town.” he said.

“Congratulations.” his sister said and embraced him.

He was sure his girlfriend would be happy. He could support his children but he had no intention of marrying Tshidi. Tshidi survived on social grant for her children and her grandmother’s grant. His salary was more than R10 000 excluding tax.

After a month of working, he decided to move to his own place. Every month he sent R2500 to Tshidi for financial support for his sons. He loved them very much. He had already found a woman to enjoy his money with. Her name was Salome and she worked at Checkers supermarket. Salome was controlling Tshepo, until she fell pregnant.

Tshepo didn’t want to see her, his eyes were wandering elsewhere.

“I am carrying your baby.” she shouted.

“I will support my child.” he said.

“What about me?” She said furiously.

“I have no intentions with you. We were just having fun and the baby’s innocent.” he said and left her.

Tshidi cried and left, she couldn’t believe what he had said. Tshepo financially supported his baby even when she gave birth to a daughter. Tshepo counted that he had three children. He saw women like Tshidi as chancers and believed a baby was a gift so he would support them no matter what. He loved his children.

He dated another lady from Maboneng who was 27. He impregnated her and left her when he found out she was pregnant. He dated his colleague who got pregnant with twins. He didn’t care what people said as long he could have fun and pass time. He knew he was very responsible. The women came for money, he would give it to them and sleep with them again. Women are vulnerable, he thought.

“Tshepo, how many women are you going to date in your whole life?” Sello asked.

“I haven’t met the right one yet.” he answered.

“But still, you are impregnating the whole of Joburg.” he said, concerned.

“I look after them. After all, children are blessings.” he answered confidently.

When he travelled back to Limpopo, his parents expected he would bring a wife. They were hurt and disappointed, they thought he would one day bring makoti.

“Tshepo must marry.” his mother said.

“Woman, we can’t force him. Let him decide on his own.” his father said.

Tshepo entered with his sons who had grown up. His mother stared at him, smiling. She kept looking at him, he knew she would ask for conservation. Papa couldn’t sit and talk to him man to man. Most parents were afraid of children because if they tried to discipline them, they could report them to the police as abusers. As for Tshepo, he could beat his father when they had a misunderstanding. Papa decided to be quiet about the issue, hoping he would know it was time to get a wife on his own.

“Tshepo, we need to talk.” said his mother.

“Mama. is it that serious?” he asked.

“Yes it is.” she answered, showing him a stool to sit on.

“Malanga, don’t do this. We talked about this.” his father said.

“You are scaring me.” he said.

“When are you getting married?” She asked gently.

“Mama, I haven’t met the woman of my dreams yet.” he said shyly.

“You have to find one soon.” she said patiently.

Tshepo went back to the lounge and join his sons playing video games. He wanted to ignore his mother even if it was true. Impregnating a lot of women wasn’t good. He still didn’t see who he should marry, no wife material he had met.

“I will win.” he said loudly.

He grabbed the play station and started to play the Car Races. He wanted to forget what his mother was pushing him to do. He kept hearing her words over and over.

***

Tell us: When do you believe one should get married?