Ntandozi’s mum had siblings of her own, apart from Nathi’s father. She had another brother and a younger sister and they always aimed to portray the spirit of oneness to all the kids.
To them this meant that when they were no longer there, that the children would stand together as they had while still alive.
“Ma, I am scared to attend Grantview, couldn’t you have taken me to a better school than this? Ntandoyenkosi said.
Simthandile looked at her daughter. “Ntandozi, you know the condition we live in. As it is, I am struggling to put food on the table for you and Nathi. If I were to send you to a different school that wouldn’t be fair on Nathi, and also it would mean you go to bed hungry every night.”
“Kodwa Ma, why do we have to struggle this much? Do I not have a father? Why isn’t he being a responsible parent for once? Lomuntu akangazi nokuthi ngilala ngidle ini, (This man doesn’t even know what I eat at night).”
“Do I not always tell you that no human being is greater than God’s miracles? Have you not been sustained by God up till now without your father present in your life?” Simthandile asked. “I know you need him, but baby we cannot force him to become a father to you. All you need to do is love him and forgive him because it’s not about you, uyezwa. One day he will change.”
“Uqinisle Antiza, you’re right, besides I’ll look after you at school Ntandozi. So please, don’t worry, you will be safe.” Nathi said.
“You’re just saying that, you will forget about me and hang around your friends cos you’re cool now.”
Nathi laughed.
“All you guys have to do is to study hard, pursue your dreams and be successful. Success is not determined by the type of school you go to.”
“Funny you should say that mum. Not so long ago we relocated to Durban because you felt we need a better education.” Ntandozi said.
“I will not argue with you because we all know you have a big mouth. Besides, times are changing and now education is in the same level and Grantview is also a multiracial school. So I don’t know what the issue is,” responded Simthandile.
Ntandozi rolled her eyes. “Grantview iYizo Yizo nje.”
Simthandile smirked, “One day those eyes will fall out while you’re rolling them.”
Nathi bursts out laughing and walked out the house to go play soccer.
***
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