Following the spate of violence against foreign nationals that erupted in Durban the word Xenophobia is on everyone's lips. Latest reports on sabc radio and television state that the attacks are not only in Durban but have started in some other parts of the country. Campaigns like MetroFM's 'we are one' and #stopxenophobicattacks trending on Twitter and Thursday's peace march which was named Africa Unite are trying to fight against such violence against humanity. Even the president has decided to step up. He has finaly come out and condemned the attacks on foreign nationals. He went on to remind the people it was the same Africans that lended a hand and sheltered our struggle heroes when they were fighting for freedom. Everyone with a heart calls for calm, tolerance and the stop to the gruesome attacks and acts of violence against our brothers and sisters. Sources- sabcnews, metrofm radio, twitter.

My Belief

The general belief is between God and the ancestors. Everything is done to try and hold on to those beliefs.

Midweek the people are busy slaughtering cows and praising their great-great grand parents where as on Sundays they will be wearing my uniform and praising the Lord Almighty.

A tiny part of them believes that religion came with the white man. He came with his book only to calm us so that we would not act violently. And if wronged we forgive those who have wronged us. To enforce this saying it said a prophet had noted the coming of the white man.

(Kuyakufika indoda enwele ezibulembu bombono. Le ndoda iphethe incwadi emlebe umbomvu kunye neqhosha elingenamthunja nina ke ze nihoye lencwadi)  

The saying translates to “a man with hair like the corn hair will come. he will bring a book with red lips (bible) and buttons without holes (money). You are to pay attention to the book.

Another part of believes that the man upstairs was there all along they called him Qamata. People prayed and praised him and have often noted his might.

It is also takes time that one can separate the two beliefs. Other churches that have developed are against the traditional practices. Most people chose to the churches that endorses these practices. If one chooses to join the churches that stop practicing ancestral ritual they risk being called crazy.

For many the traditional practices often mark a time or stage in their lives that they cannot function without it. An imbeleko to introduce a child to the ancestors, an umbhinqo to mark the growth of a girl to being a young woman and intonjane to prepare the girl for marriage. Although it is done even after marriage. The boy goes through initiation which is followed through specific customs.

Certain occasion are marked by slaughter or a simple mqombothi. Many of those occasions include the welcoming of a daughter in-law, to thank the ancestors for giving you a job, to end a mourning period to which most modern Christians do not have.

It is up to one to believe what they want. There is no black and white in this instance it is only grey. A person can be religious and still continue to practice their traditions. Others chose to take one path and seemingly it serves them well.

                                                                                                                   

My Health

My health is symbolised by my weight. The bigger the curves or my belly the healthier I look in the eyes of the villagers think I am. If I get sick the clinic will be the last place I go to. Granny's Umhlabelo has the power to heal. If I get any worse then I should considering the possibility of going to the clinic.

Though the local municipality has the clinic on wheels, it does not really matter. Natural medicine according to granny, has no side effects whereas you get hooked in the pills. Yep that headache will keep coming back and it won't go away till you swallow one or two pain killers.

I know little about cancer, dental care, obesity. The main focus has been on HIV related sicknesses. Though my choice is to ignore the teaching about HIV as it has   nothing to do with me. I am not affected, only the people in the city are.

If by any chance I get really sick, then a sangoma is the first person to consult. They have the answers to all my problems. My belief is that one or two traditional ceremonies to thank the ancestors and maybe, just maybe it will all go away.

My health is categorised by my weight. It is in the hands of those who have passed. Modern medicine are my last resort.

My Community

This community is not your average community. Everyone is connected through blood. We young stars like to ignore this fact, saying that this connection prevents you from going forward. This connection is unique but it has its disadvantages. Everyone knows your business.

Small village with huge yards and lots of houses. Each household depends on their own tanks for water. The only other source is the river. We share the river with pigs, cows, donkeys and horse.
Some go skinny dipping in the river, when right at the bottom of the river is busy collecting the water.

Relations in this community are made very clear. Everyone knows what their place is. This includes a five year old. A  child would know and assume their position as soon as they understand.

A little girl is supposed to fetch wood and a little boy to herd the goats. If there is a ceremony in one of the families the whole community is expected to participate. The 70 year old granny would know that some things won't be done until she gets there.Each and everyone has a role and is expected to play it accordingly

My Family

Family is always the most important thing. It does not matter whether you are poor or rich your family will always be there. The whole village is connected to each other. It is a big family.
Every single one of us is someone cousin, niece, nephew or grandchild.

In most cases you will the grandparents, the mother and the children. The father will be working in Joburg or Cape Town. He only comes home two or three times a year. In most instances the whole family depends on his earnings. The woman is busy doing all the hard work of being a housewife. She takes care of her frail in-laws as well raise her kids.

 At the age of 21 a young man is expected to start his own family. Like all cultures the woman you marry is marrying your family as well.

Families are not always happy together but they try their best. In every decision everyone is accommodated according to their needs.