CHAPTER:1

We all have those cousins that come to visit during the holidays. The ones that our parents like more than us, we’re always compared to them. In most cases when there’s mischief, we are to blame for the trouble… not them. Naledi has a cousin like that, her name is Lerato.

Naledi was born in Umzinto in Kwazulu-Natal. She was raised there by her mother and four uncles. She’s the only child to her mother and late father (Thembinkosi) and the only girl in the household. Her uncles treat her mother badly and she always grew up in fear of them, thinking that if she ever displeased them she’d lose her home. “Umuzi ka bafo lo.” is a common phrase in this house, made popular by her uncles when they disapprove of anything she or her mother does.

Despite all the harsh treatment, Naledi is very religious and respectful. She loves her messed up family and rude uncles, she even calls all four of them by their nicknames. Malum’ dimples is her uncle Siyethemba [last born] who is the youngest of all five brothers and Naledi’s favourite. Then there’s (u-three/Lihle) Thembalihle [middle-child], (Sgonondo/Lethu) Thembalethu [second-last born], Lerato’s dad Sinethemba [second born] also known as Sukela and her late Father (Nkosi) [The eldest]. Their father, Naledi’s grandfather’s name was Themba… so you get where all the hope in their names comes from.

Unlinke Naledi, Shukela’s daughter Lerato was not so religious. She wasn’t raised that way because she stays with her maternal family.