Captured in his heart.

Captured in his heart. Standing beside him and not being defined by him. The woman in the matter. there is peace in the mist of trials and tribulations.

Umfazi Ka ButiInsert 115We left the office and went to the clinic. They checked and gave us an envelope with results. We...
14/09/2026

Umfazi Ka Buti

Insert 115

We left the office and went to the clinic. They checked and gave us an envelope with results. We proceeded to the mall and had cake; ice-cream even watched a movie. On our way home, I felt like I had failed my wife because I should have noticed what she was talking about. We reached the house and went upstairs to our room. We snaggled and slept. I was praying in my heart because we are not ready for another baby honestly, money does not mean anything if you do not have the mental motivation. I relived the times when the triplets had a cough which came with runny stomachs. She woke up and we looked at each other.

Fikile: [sigh] The thing is, I things have not been the same since giving birth. I feel terrified of being pregnant again which I should not be because of our history. The confidence in my looks, my b***s are deflated and my tummy is still recovering from stretch marks. [tears streaming] You always telling me that I am beautiful and sexy but I do not feel like that. I am having a tough time accepting how I look after the triplets. My weight is not making sense, I feel fragile and now the thought of another pregnancy feels like my worst nightmare.

Me: [I pulled her into my arms] Honestly I feel like I have let you down so many times, leaving you home with the triplets I felt so guilty and I felt like I could not balance between work, school and being your husband, that ate at me. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I have gained such lot of weight, suddenly I am an ice-cream fan. The day I went to that emergency in the middle of the night because they could not breathe something inside me changed. Right now I cannot take a trip away for anything because I am afraid of what might happen in my absence.

Fikile: [laughing through the tears] People looking think we have it all.

Me: since the birth of our children, I haven’t slept for an uninterrupted 8 hours. There is simply no time for that. I feel so fragile and zero interest in risky things like rock climbing.

Fikile: I thought you are fine for a second.

Me: when we made these babies I had a six pack, right now I don’t even have the mind to enter gym. The thought of my kid crawling in and having their tiny hands stock on something traumatises me.

Fikile: I hear your brother is asking for you to donate to him so he can reproduce.

Me: My spirit is not there, I don’t believe in all these medical procedures. I wish him the very best of luck but I am not about to trust a man that ripped my heart out of my chest literally.

Fikile: I thought you have forgiven each other like a happy family.

Me: Forgiveness does not mean I trust them enough to close my eyes around them. Some people do not change, they are meant to be like that and I have made peace with that.

Fikile: Everyday I am grateful for the new leaf that you have turned. Four years ago I could have never predicted that this side of you existed.

Me: When you divorced me I felt like I am losing my mind and the fact that you left me, had a baby. That was the final nail to the coffin. Suddenly the st*****rs were not stripping enough, like nothing enticed me. I felt empty like my heart relocated elsewhere.

Fikile: I still wonder how you did not end up with Precious.

Me: Your sister’s charms clashed with my mother’s situation, being with her felt controlled. I could feel a strange presence around her. Seeing you with Simele killed me slowly, seeing you happy in that tiny house of his, gave me nightmares I am still recovering from. I never realized how much I loved you until he abused you, that just dismantled my entire being, pain felt like the oxygen in my lungs.

Fikile: We need to open this envelope and see how many months we have before the roller-coaster starts again.

Me: [I took a deep breathe and she opened the envelope. We looked at each other in disbelieve.]

Fikile: [laughs] Just exhaustion nothing much, I need to get vitamins and rest more.

Helper: [knocks on the door] Sir, your mother and sister are at the entrance gate asking for permission to enter should I press to let them in?

Me: No, tell them we are not home. You will only allow them when we get back.

Helper: Noted sir.

Me: Let’s start the first stage of recovery. Let’s sleep for a bi…[receives a call from Safo] this is n…

Safo: [babies crying in the background] Look I have tried everything to soothe them my wife is not around. Help me please.

Fikile: [sits up] try a sponge bath while speaking to them. It should calm them down.

Safo: Okay. [sound of things moving, then call ends]

Me: Babies can squeeze all the excitement you ever had out of you. [we laugh, he calls again after two minutes]

Safo: [emotional] Is it supposed to be this hard? I just placed them in water and now they want to sleep. How do you people do this thing? You make it look so easy.

Me: Hang in there bro, it will come together.

Safo: I thought I knew my way around children but I am way in over my head. I don’t know but I am struggling. I feel like I am failing my wife, I am always tired between work and home life. I mean I don’t remember the last sentence we had in bed last night because I straight up passed out. My wife is beautiful but I cannot bring myself to touch her because what if we fall pregnant again? I don’t feel self-confident that I am the best right now.

Me: [chuckles] I know that feeling brother, being married to someone whose strong sometimes makes you wonder because our wives barely complain. Just yesterday I was having a nightmare about my wife being snatched. Can you believe we have not had a proper date since the birth of our triplets? It feels like we are giving up on ourselves and are always tired. I mean the second we arrive from work, the house is already upside down.

Safo: Aish!

Me: I would say please sit down with her and speak to her about how you feel.

Safo: I’m sorry for bothering you like this, you must think I am a cry baby.

Me: You know who’s the cry baby between us.

Safo: [laughs] I am glad that madam took you back, for once I can forget all the midnight calls of you crying about her and Simele. That boy will never see heaven, I have never experienced you that emotional before.

Me: Don’t worry, maybe we could arrange for a couples get away soonest.

Helper: [Knocks on the door] Sir…

Me: chat later dude [ends the call and goes to the door. The minute I opened, the triplets heard my voice and started crying from downstairs] Yes Mma.

Helper: I have to rush home, my house is apparently ruined by the rain.

Fikile: [gets off the bed] Ask the driver to drop you off, apologies Mma.



The head of the house returns home with his daughter in law in high spirits. Safo’s mother meets them at the door and notices that her husband is in a lighter mood and cheerful. They enter with some council members and settle in the garage with cookies and some drinks.

Khanyisa: Do you need any assistance?

Zanele: This is your house Mma, My work here is done. I am sure that my husband is overwhelmed at home with the babies. I need to head back there.

Khanyisa: I am sorry for how everything happened between us, I don’t want us to be enemies.

Zanele: I cannot be your enemy when you birthed me such a wonderful man for a husband. I am too happy with the works of your womb to hold anything against you.

Khanyisa: How do you get my husband to be in such a good mood?

Zanele: You will find your way back Mma, you know the man more than anyone else here. As much as he was angry that does not mean he does not love you. Remember you taught me that not every man is impressed with women on the magazines? That method works for me and I believe it could salvage this situation. There is not need for you to try be like Mam’khulu, be yourself.

Khanyisa: send my greetings to your husband.

Zanele: have a good day further.

Mr Khoza: See you on the next schedule, I will send you the buckets. The woman’s leader will be in contact regarding the issues that were raised. Once the report is made, please forward it to finance for approval.

Zanele: I will so exactly that, Pa.

Mr Khoza: Thank you dear, send my greetings to your husband. [Zanele leaves and awkward silence rests in the house]

Khanyisa: I am sorry for the way I behaved, it was really uncalled for.

Mr Khoza: You need to stop apologising because I have nothing against you. A lot has happened between us but we are too old to be having dating wars. We have a family to raise and hold together.

Khanyisa: So what does that mean?

Mr Khoza: We need to find the fine line and make it work.

Bathi interaction is important and honestly I feel like it's time I do better. Over the years I have seen beautiful writ...
10/09/2026

Bathi interaction is important and honestly I feel like it's time I do better. Over the years I have seen beautiful writers stop writing on this platform. At first I thought maybe people dry out or find other means but my Lord I miss some pages. I would literally sit in bed reading and anticipating the next chapter...

But I just realised people just read to pass and forget that for some writing is their only means of survival. If you are reading this and you love reading our diaries and stories. Interact , even if it's an acknowledgement emoji. It might not be deep for you but for someone it is.

Thanks in advance. Humanity starts with thinking outside yourself.

Umfazi Ka ButiInsert 114 ’sPOVThings have been progressing smoothly and the babies are so grown now its been an amazing ...
25/08/2026

Umfazi Ka Buti

Insert 114

’sPOV

Things have been progressing smoothly and the babies are so grown now its been an amazing process. The business has balanced nicely. The family invited us to a family resolution and although we are not yet 100% as yet but we are all making an effort. I do not speak to my siblings a lot but we visit each other from time to time. After the braai at my parents old house, I came home with the kids to find a dark house. It was clear that Fikile had not returned, which was strange because when I left she said she has a headache and would like to stay home. I called her but it did not go through. Then I saw her message that she was visiting her mother, which is unlike her at all. I prepared the children and tacked them into bed. I slept off as I was watching soccer. I had a dream where I was back to when we were apart, I could not understand the dream exactly but the way I wept in the dream brought me back. I read a few scriptures and went to bed. The next morning, I woke up and she was back. The kids were already having breakfast and the nanny had just arrived. I went towards her and she gently avoided my embrace.

Warona: Daddy can I ask?

Me: What is on your mind?

Mbali: We heard gogo say that Mommy Fikile is not a good person and she is the reason you do not like them anymore is that true?

Fikile: [takes a seat and sips her coffee, starring at her phone]

Me: You know that is not true right? If my wife was not a good person you would not have all the gifts and clothes she always showers you with. Remember what we said. As a family we protect each other did you protect mommy Fikile?

Warona: Grandmother is a liar, she always says mean things about Mommy and it makes us uncomfortable Daddy.

Helper: Your bags are ready, finish up so you will at school in time.

Driver: [enters through the opened door] Morning to the house, are you ready to go?

Me: [I set down and had breakfast, as I went upstairs to take a shower with my wife. She came out immediately] Fikile…

Fikile: I have to be somewhere in a short while maybe next time.

Me: You’ve been distant for the past month, is there something I am missing?

Fikile: Something like what?

Her response cut more than the look she gave me. I just felt goosebumps and my heart pump because it confirmed that something is wrong. I took a shower and when I came out she was gone and her phone was not going through. I remembered the dream and my chest tightened. I checked our schedule and realized that I haven’t been home with her for all the weekends. Could it be that she feels like sidelined. I stepped out and my mother called, I picked up.

His mother: Thank you for yesterday, your sister truly appreciated it. After she had a miscarriage things have been hard but yesterday, she lightened up.

Me: You know Mma, I sometimes wonder how your brain works.

His mother: [sigh] what is it now? if this is about fikile again, I am truly not interested.

Me: [chuckles] You are going to do me a huge favour and you are going to tell the family the exact thing that you told my children about my wife and you will not leave out one detail about it.

His mother: A good wife should be beside you especially at such important family events.

Me: The good part is that, you will not be the reason why my marriage fails again. Your behaviour will be the reason why my kids do not like you, just this morning the girls expressed how uncomfortable you made them feel and if they decide that they are not coming to the next gathering you will have yourself to blame.

His mother: I didn’t lie.

Me: sometime when digging a whole someone forgets that the deeper they dig the harder it will be for them to come out. I need to get ready for work, bye have a productive day.

His mother: Mbongeni I am the only mother that you have, I carried you in my womb for 9 months and no one should separate us on this earth.

Me: Okay. [I ended the call and went downstairs my wife was still around] So today we get to go to work together for a change.

Fikile: The car service people are outside, my car was supposed to have undergone engine maintenance.

Me: It completely kept my mind, sorry babe.

Fikile: No worries, my uber is outside. [takes her handbag and leaves]

Helper: [clears her throat] Is everything okay?

Me: Everything is fine. [I went out and watched as she entered a uber. I am losing my grip on things and it was manifesting loudly. I got into the car and drove to the office. I found that Simele was already there, in my wife’s office with my uncle. I entered] apologies for the lateness. [I kissed my wife’s forehead and she did not even fake a smile] I was not informed that we have a meeting.

Simele: I came to consult about my financials; with the taxi income I haven’t had a grip on things.

Fikile: Mr Mkhabela came here with Bab’Mkhabela to advise me that I should sell my shares at the warehouse to them as I barely know anything about the business. I do not control or have ownership of those shares based on the trust agreement in place.

Me: [chuckles] is this what this reconciliation was about all along? You people are cornering my wife to sell her shares?

His uncle: Its not like that, we were asking her to sell at above market value prices. Warehouses are male dominated environment.

Fikile: Like I have advised and I have provided my lawyers details get in touch with them directly. I have no reason to fight or to course the family to fight because of this.

Me: Only you are not going to get those shares and whoever has anything else to say on this matter should approach me directly.

Simele: Please do not be upset, we came here to have a discussion.
Me: Ambushing my wife is not a discussion. You are the last person I want around my wife Simele, You are a predator, manipulator, I might have forgiven you but I will never forgotten how you used my weakness to ruin my marriage. Get up and leave my building.

His uncle: My apologies son, Fikile we did not mean to make you feel any sort of way.

Me: [I escorted them out and when I came back she was laughing on the phone, I felt my stomach turning] Babe?

Fikile: [laughing] I will call you back Mzala. [puts the phone back on the charger] Bab’Mkhabela.

Me: [I closed the door behind me] Ma’Mkhabela, I don’t feel you near and I don’t know how to fix it.

Fikile: [chuckles] What does that mean?

Me: I can afford to lose everything in this life but not you. I was wrong for not remembering things that matter to us. Yesterday reminded me of the hall pass you gave me once upon a time. Fikile, I am not going anywhere, I will chase you, write you poems anything to make you feel like my woman because you are the apple of my eye.

Fikile: that entire speech because I didn’t sleep at home?

Me: If you claim that I am being extra then give me a hug.

Fikile: [giggling, stands up from her chair] come closer hoaw.

Me: [dammit I love this woman. I gave her a hug and took my time] I love you.

Fikile: You changed your cologne?

Me: Same one [we broke apart and laugh] serious?

Fikile: I have been feeling offish lately, I am always tired and all that. You smell different though.

Me: [I smelt my jacket and set at the edge of the table, I felt my stomach in knots] Yoh God, atleast one more honeymoon have mercy.

Fikile: Please accompany me to the clinic, I am afraid to check.

Me: [We looked at each and laughed at the thought that this could be another baby. Tears streamed because honestly the triplets showed us flames, the exhaustion and sleepless nights were real] Whatever happens we will figure it out.

Fikile: I am terrified Babe, I don’t know if I have enough to go through everything again.

Me: I will be right there beside you, I know since we had the triplets we have not had time to ourselves. Its like we are always on ago and there is no time but babe we will make time.

Fikile: I am numb just thinking about the possibility that this could be happening again. [tears streaming] its too soon.

Me: We cannot be here right now, [I picked up her handbag] let’s go babe, it’s a lot.

Fikile: But we have appointments to handle.

Me: I am crushing out and you are crushing out with me. let’s go to the restaurant and order ice-cream and cake because life is life-ing.

Fikile: [Laughing] is that even a word?



Simele and his uncle arrive to find Mbongeni’s mother, stepmother having tea. From the way they are walking in. Its clear that things did not go as planned. To make matters worse they did not know how Mbongeni will retaliate at this point.

His mother: what did she say? Will she sell her shares?

Simele: She does not have a problem with selling her shares however everything needs to go through Mbongeni as they are married in community of property, also the shares are in a trust which requires that their lawyers get involved.

His uncle: Mbongeni did not take it as calm as his wife, I fear that he might do something we all may not see coming.

Sime’s mother: We should have waited a bit longer before asking her.

His first sister: [enters and takes a seat] Have you noticed that Fikile has not reacted once, its like she does not care about what we say or do. What if these people are testing us and we failed badly.

His mother: Your brother expressed that he was unhappy about my utterances which apparently made the kids uncomfortable.

His first sister: If you could listen to me, step back from this.

Sime’s mother: than how do you expect us to pay all these bills.

Simele: The problem is that each time we have a fight with Mbongeni things always go south on our end. We are barely holding on financially. One more retaliation from him and I doubt we will still have homes to live in. Its like even the ancestors are against us.

His uncle: I see through all that composure. She is near cracking, its clear that she understands that Mbongeni cannot live without us.

His first sister: [laughs] Its about to go down straight. You were a lot safer when she reacted but now you don’t know if she is angry or planning something.

Umfazi Ka ButiInsert 113As I was driving back home from seeing my parents, I felt heavy because I have never imagined th...
25/08/2026

Umfazi Ka Buti

Insert 113

As I was driving back home from seeing my parents, I felt heavy because I have never imagined that my mother could look that poor on a literal sense. My sisters kids were very happy for the little stuff I bought. We talked about the family and everything, they asked if this means that they will never know my kids and I was just tongue tied, I wondered if this bad blood would proceed to the next generation and it scared me. When I got to the house, the twins held my husband on his knees but I could tell he was not really moved by the pressure as his done this before. I cleaned up and allowed him to go bath while I set with the babies preparing our meal. My phone as I was watching the babies sleeping. It was my nephew but as I picked it, my mother was the one on the other hand.

Mrs Mtshali: [takes a deep breath] Despite our constant bad intentions you have proven that you are not like us. You are bigger and better that anyone we have experienced in this family, it may sound very strange and ridiculous but you are a threat in this family. You are a confirmation of all our bad intentions. I know this will not make up for how we treated you or what you went through out there but I would like to say Mntanami, I apologize for all the hurt and arrows that reached you. I know forgiveness does not just come in words but I would like an opportunity when you are ready to be part of your life again.

Me: [sniffing]

Safo: We appreciate that you have reached out Mma, thank you.

Mrs Mtshali: Lastly thanks for the chocolates. [ends the call]

Me: [I just broke down like all the walls I had built had done what they needed to do. He held me until I was calm] Wow.

Safo: Long awaited I know.

Me: Ever since I met you, its like everything is just opening up around me and its unintentional. Thank you for being with me, thank you for loving me.

Safo: Okay but you never told me why my mother was here.

Me: She is really overwhelmed by her current circumstances. The silence from your father has her losing everything at once. She is desperate to fix things with your father and he does not seem interested. She thought I was the reason but I am not which is why she is running to and for, looking for my forgiveness.

Safo: I think my father is seeing someone else or something bigger because lately he has been so disconnected from his normal routine. I went into his office and all he has are his grandchildren only.

Me: Maybe he is still healing? Speak of the angel, His calling me. [I picked the call] Baba, this is a surprise.

Mr Khoza: I have been looking at these invoices for the past hour and I don’t even know what I am doing.

Me: Okay, Slowly go back to the back screen. Click right on the green dots, based on the last program I installed it should show you an easier manual.

Mr Khoza: [seconds later, chuckles] Thanks dear, how are you and the kids?

Me: they are getting more manipulative by day.

Mr Khoza: they must grow fast so we can go camping and throw bush fires, go hunting.

Safo: you never any of that with us, it’s unfair.

Mr Khoza: Do not compare yourself to my grandchildren. They are on different grounds and Lindi says that keeping healthy relationships makes one live longer.

Me: who’s this Lindi person, do we need to be worried?

Mr Khoza: [chuckles] She’s my therapist, I should have honestly considered it sooner.

Me: Healthy relationships are with your grandchildren only?

Mr Khoza: Yes, less maintenance. You know the last time I set with Sakhile, the man handled things so maturely, he did not fuss about it for weeks like other people I know. With them things are easy, intentions are clear and we fix things fast, rebuild, then move on.

Me and Safo: [laughing] Wow.

Mr Khoza: All it takes with Lutha, is a chocolate bar. She likes to negotiate that one but she is very reasonable. This thing of people expecting cars in the name of an apology, no ways.

Safo: Surely, there are things we are better for.

Mr Khoza: Of course, you could give me at least 20 grandchildren. That would truly gladden my heart but your brother is afraid of nappies, your other brother has a lot of explanations that don’t make sense. Your sister barely visits with her children. I’ll stick to my healthy relationships. Bye [ends the call]

Safo: My father is taking therapy? That explains a lot.

Me: At least we know the woman is not about to be a companion. Hopefully with time they fix things and we can all have a good Christmas party.

Safo: I am supposed to be hosting this year, I was thinking maybe we could hand it to my brother.

Me: Phindi does not look like the cooking type, sushi on a platter.

Safo: She can cook, its just she does not really want to because my brother has never liked home cooked meals from a very young age.

Me: You rarely talk about your childhood, I wonder if you have traumas from there.

Safo: I hated the animals, the smell, the outdoors just ruined my days as a young man. I felt left out because all my siblings loved that and understood it better than me. I only learned a bit about the kraal business when my grandfather would force me to sit with him at his. He called it a place of safety, there I developed an interest in nature and rocks.

Me: Does this mean you are not going to teach our children about the family legacy of your family?

Safo: I will climatize to whatever my children need. Sakhile is preparing for a tournament at his school. I plan to attend all his trainings and games, which is why I need to put in an extra hour at work.

Me: Wendy seems to have changed a lot since the depression camp.

Safo: Only time will tell, we have to wait this one out.

Me: [I excused myself and went to the room, I suddenly felt a heavy feeling like something is coming. I knelt down beside the bed and opened my bible. The first thing that came to my mind was Fikile, I could not understand what was happening but I prayed. For her and her home, then found myself crying the mist of everything. I decided to call her phone and she picked on the first ring] Hello Mzala.

Fikile: [Sniffing] Mzala, how are you?

Me: I am well, we haven’t really spoken since the birth of the twins. How are you?

Fikile: [takes a deep breath] I don’t know how I am, I feel like I am losing my husband. The family called us in to come and reconcile, ever since then they intentionally throw jabs at me and I guess the hardest thing now is when he takes our kids there. They always come back with a foreign attitude.

Me: Have you spoken to him about it?

Fikile: I don’t know what I would even say because around him everyone is happy family. The last time I mentioned it to him, his mother told me that based on my history, I do not have a right to question those things. I just want to stand back and hide in the shadows.

Me: I feel like that is exactly how they want you to feel. They want you to feel isolated but trust me you are not. We will pray about it and in the meantime, give them enough rope for them to hang themselves.

Fikile: You always have the right things to say.

Me: How are things going with Mrs Mayor?

Fikile: My half siblings keep inviting me to stuff and I don’t know if I want to go. I always make up an excuse.

Me: Well since they are approximately living in the same vicinity as your parents in law, give them a chance, you never know what you might learn.



A woman realizes that she has built such a thick wall around her and her last born, its practically impossible to go back to normal. She spends the entire day reflecting while cooking a full meal for the first time in forever. Mr Mtshali remains adamant that Zanele will come around and this cannot be fixed at this point. Right then, their community leader knocks on the gate and the woman of the house rushes outside to meet with him and the man is clearly irritated.

Mrs Mtshali: Greetings, hope we are safe.

Community Leader: It has been brought to my attention that you are making trouble with your neighbours. Need I tell you th…

Mrs Mtshali: [irritated] My daughter does not need permission to come to her parents house, we pay rent and this house we bought with our money. I don’t remember the community contributing to anything. If someone has a problem with seeing my daughter here than that is none of my business.

Community Leader: Is your husband home?

Mr Mtshali: My wife did not stutter, we will not be bullied. If that is a tall order for any of you then, remove us from your circle.

Community Leader: It has not reached that far.

Mr Mtshali: I don’t, you are standing on my gate.

Community Leader: Will you still be present in the annual meeting of agricultural leaders.

Mr Mtshali: I meant it when I said that I am stepping away from all community responsibility. I would like to put my house in order.

Community Leader: Surely you cannot just leave us hanging considering that we are in the process of submitting a proposal to your father-in-law sir.

Mr Mtshali: I am not getting involved. Please leave my premises.

Community Leader: Please think about this sir, sleep on it. Have a good day further. [leaves]

Mrs Mtshali: We need to arrange a formal meeting with the Khoza’s to give them a sincere apology. In order to crop the continuation of this hatred between us, we need to take the first brave steps.

Her second sister: Mma, something is starting to burn.

Mrs Mtshali: My beans. [rushed into the house]

Mr Mtshali: Do you think we are making a mistake?

Her Elder sister: I think you are finally doing what you should have done a lot time ago. You are prioritising your family and that is something I am very proud of witnessing.

Mr Mtshali: Its not going to be easy based on our last encounter with them.

Umfazi Ka Buti Inset 112Fikile helped me settle and I just slept with the babies. I woke up much later to a knock on the...
16/08/2026

Umfazi Ka Buti

Inset 112

Fikile helped me settle and I just slept with the babies. I woke up much later to a knock on the door. I thought of remaining in bed but I went to the door and boom Safo’s mother stood outside my door. I did not know what to expect, as that was happening I realised I had missed 15 missed calls from Mbongeni, they had some car issues and were waiting for roadside assistance. I chose to go back to bed but the knocking persisted. I ended up opening the door but kept the security gate locked. I could tell she had been crying but I did not put myself there.

His mother: I know that I am the last person that you'd like to see but I realized that I have messed up with my only lifeline. A lot has been going on, in a fit of rage and disappointment I filled for divorce. I thought I could just cut my losses but I realized as I was with someone else that I love Khoza despite our differences.

Me: You could have called Ma’am, this really wa…

His mother: [tears start streaming] I am sorry for everything that has happened. I had no standing listening to Robbie's relative. I was wrong and I am so sorry.

Me: I forgive you but I think you should head home. It's getting late.

His mother: Is it still a home when everyone has abandoned me? My husband is out there somewhere, my children and grandchildren do not want me near then what is my purpose on this earth?

Me: [I have never seen this side of her, it was scary and I felt sorry for her but I remembered the promise I made not to let people I don't trust near me] I will speak to my husband and hear what he says. Go home Ma’am. [I closed the door and listened as she sobbed outside it, I found myself in tears as well. I went to Sakhile’s room and he was so peaceful in his sleep. Then I called Mbongeni back and it was picked on the second ring] Hello Buti.

Mbongeni: I just dropped him by your gate, he should be at the door by now.

Me: alright thanks.

Safo: [enters seconds later with a pharmacy bag] sorry for the scare.

Me: [tears just streamed] You scared the living daylight out of me.

Safo: [shuts and locks the door, then sits beside her and pulls her to his chest.] I thank the heavens that you are the woman that you are. Death could not accept me due to your consistent prayers.

Me: your mother was here, what exactly happened? She looked a mess.

Safo: Between me and you, this could be a life changing mistake. My father is so cold towards her and it's painful to watch. But she can't go around blaming the entire family for it.

Me: the divorce was so unexpected.

Safo: I think my father is looking at another direction, the fact that my mother considered another man in such a short period, my father does not feel safe around her.

Me: Do you think there is a chance for them?

Safo: based on my observation, she is going about this the wrong way and it's creating more distance between them.

Me: I am glad to have you back but I really need you to stake a bath, you don't smell normal.

Safo: [chuckles] Kraals are strange. Yes Ma'am.

Me: [while he was bathing, I went through his medication to understand. Afterwards I made us something to eat. I heard a knock and wondered who could that be. I walked to the door and checked. It was a pizza delivery, the person kept looking around as though checking the audience, I said loudly] Babe, the police are coming over to take a statement.

Safo: [chuckles, coming from the bathtub. Looks at her panicked face, goes into the room and gets dressed. Then comes back] who is that?

Me: [I checked the door again and the person had gone] someone suspicious was here in the name of making a pizza delivery.

Safo: People don't want peace.

Me: Clearly we are always under attack and it's tiring now. Why can't we just enjoy for a change.

Safo: That reminds me, your aunt called that your grandmother has been admitted to hospital. It's not looking good at all. She was asking to see you but I declined the request.

Me: what does she want? She has done enough.

Safo: family brains work strangely. I do not know how they expect you to just show up for them just like that.

Me: Do you think we can try to sleep for the night?

Safo: we cannot fear the unknown otherwise we will not live at all.



Hunger is but a companion they never expected. With Mr Mtshali not being able to work. Everything seems to be spiralling out of control and they are only surviving on the groceries they receive from Zanele and it's a humbling fact. As if that is not enough the constant sickness of the head of the family has everyone on the edge of their seats.

Her father: [Enters the living room and sits down] I keep on dreaming my father, his not happy and I don't know how to fix it.

Her mother: Zanele’s silence is judging us. Already Mma is set to have lost her mind. The doctors say she keeps seeing and talking to people they cannot see.

Her Elder sister: Are the kids back with the food yet?

Her mother: No, they have gone on that school camp until tomorrow.

Her second sister: So we are not going to eat?

Her mother: unfortunately the card is with them. Their government cards, are they empty?

Her Elder sister: that money has not come for months now. So we have to eat porridge yet again today?

Her uncle: [enters on a wheelchair being pushed by his wife] greetings to the house.

Her father: [shocked] what is happening? Buti your legs???

Her aunt: he just fell yesterday and has not been able to stand ever since. We came to ask for maize meal.

Her mother: we are on our last cups as well. We are waiting for the kids to return to see if Zanele has reloaded their card.

Her uncle: so she is the only one who supports us despite everything? We have really embarrassed ourselves as parents.

Her mother: Someone is entering by the gate.

Robbie's aunt: [walks through the front door] greetings to t…

Her mother: GET THE HELL OUT OF MY HOUSE!!!

Robbie's aunt: I have c…

Her father: GET OUT!!!

Her mother: [stands up and literally walks the woman out and as she sighs relieved. A fresh SUV enters the street and as she wonders how they are going to survive the day. The car parks beside her yard and her grandchildren walk out first then Zanele from the drivers seat. Tears form but she looks away avoiding the painful moment of how this should have been a mother's proud moment but she can't even enjoy it.] Greetings Mrs Khoza.

Zanele: [chuckles] I promise I won't irritate you anymore with my presence.

Her nephew: [carries the maize meal into the yard] greetings Gogo.

Neighbour: [comes out of her yard] Haibo! Mrs international, bringing in groceries? Are my eyes deceiving me? Mma’Mtshali do not eat these things they might be poisonous.

Her niece: [carrying the second batch of stew into the yard. Irritated] It's not always that we must fight, families reconcile and that does not include outsiders in the moment.

Zanele: [carries the last plastics inside and locks the car. They enter the front door which brings the entire room to a standstill.] Greetings Elders.

Her nephew: These will definitely last us for two months atleast.

Zanele: I doubt it, this is very small. I will put some more funds in the card for you because I won't be coming as I am busy with a personal project.

Her niece: Alright, thanks so much for the food.

Zanele: I will send your receipts to the school's email. Bye. [ Stands up and leaves, minutes later her car is heard leaving]

Her aunt: Aren't her kids too small to be left alone with strangers.

Her mother: [bored] And how is that any of your business? Please leave, we'd like to have a private conversation. Sbari, please excuse us. [Widens the door]

Her uncle: Aren't you going to share the food with us?

Her mother: [chuckles, goes to the kitchen and comes back with their almost empty maize meal pack] thanks.

Her uncle: Let's leave. [They leave complaining, then her father locks the gate behind them.]

Her father: this is a lot, you should send her a thank you.

Her Elder sister: [chuckles] these can't even fit inside the drawers.

Her nephew: [comes with a gift bag and gives it to his grandmother] Aunty said this is your mother's day gift.

Her mother: [takes the bag and opens it. Inside is her favourite chocolates, emotional] bless her.

Her second sister: open it so we share Mma.

Her mother: Haybo! As my midwife or what? [The room bursts into laughter]

Her father: Use that energy to make me tea and biscuits.

Her nephew: When is this family going to apologize to aunty Zanele so we can all move on? I mean are you aware that if God takes you now, this family will be without reconciliation? I know it's not my place but the punishment was too harsh in the past, allowing outsiders drag your own daughter away was cruel but what's done is done. We are losing a lot now, aunty is at the edge of establishing a restaurant, she has a husband and three children plus will soon have a dangerous mansion. I'm personally terrified of what we are becoming. All the people you are allowing to influence you have their own children which are doing worse things.

Her Elder sister: Even if we were to reconcile where would we start.

Her niece: start from the bottom Mma, offer a sincere apology. No strings attached, trust me your sister has the biggest heart you could ever imagine.

Her nephew: Put your pride aside and allow yourselves to be human.

Her second sister: [chuckles] Ja neh, the 2ks are fixing the country one brick at a time.

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