A weekend with my African Mama out in the sticks

This weekend I had the privilege to go and stay with Mama Nomapondo at her house out in the rural areas of Mthatha.  The village where she and her huge family live is called Tyumbu.  A few weeks back Nomapondo told me that she was soon to be celebrating her nephews ‘coming of age’.  She then asked if I would join her and the rest of the family for the celebrations… I didn’t hesitate in saying yes!!

As the ceremony was happening in Comfimvaba – a very small rural village in the mountains, 4 hours outside Mthatha – I had to stay over on Friday night as we were set to leave at 5am Saturday morning.  Arriving in Friday night, I was greeted by Mama (the head of the house) and about 10 other family members; everyone was tightly packed into a small 4 bedroom house.  I was desperate for a wee so I asked Nomapondo if I could go to the toilet, to which she handed me a small bucket!! Thinking about it, I was being pretty stupid to think they had a toilet when the house didn’t even have running water!  But it was an experience and I think my nerves got the better of me, as I only used the bucket a handful of times over the weekend!  That night I slept in a double bed with Nomapondo, her 10 month old son, Kunga and 5 year old daughter, Luhle,  it was very cosy!!  Then the 4am wakeup call arrived, I had a bath in a bucket (please note it was a different one to the one I had previously used!!) and got dressed into the traditional Xhosa wear, beads and all!  I defiantly felt the part J   Still half asleep I got into the taxi and thought to myself ‘great, 4 hours in a taxi, I’ll catch up on some sleep.’  Until everyone started to sing at the top of their voices! I then though ‘OK, they’ll quieten down in half hour, I’ll sleep then.’ Oh how wrong I was! A full 4 hours of singing and chanting but their energy was incredible and I loved it!

We arrived in the small village of Cofimvaba then continued to drive for another hour along a dirt road into the mountains.  The views were breathtaking and everyone’s energy was incredible.’ The day consisted of lots more singing, dancing, slaughtering of a sheep and SO MUCH FOOD! It was an amazing day and one I won’t forget anytime soon!  The traditional Xhosa culture and celebrations are really something to witness!  I love their family bonds and sense of community.  Although very basic, I think we could learn a lesson or two about valuing what we have and not to be so greedy.

On Sunday morning I was woken up by the two children I was sharing a bed with by being jumped on.  It was a beautifully sunny day so all the family was outside on the farm doing laundry, herding the sheep, goats and cows and preparing the freshly slaughtered chicken (FYI, chickens DO carry on running after you chop the head off!!!).  I spent the day cooking with Pumeza, who decided Sally was too English and renamed me ‘Nwabisa’, which translate to ‘to make others happy!’:D You may now all call me Nwabisa Anne Stone!!

When it came to saying goodbye on Sunday evening I really didn’t want to leave!  I honestly had one of the best weekends since being in Africa and it was an incredibly humbling experience!  They may not have a lot of material wealth but when it comes to happiness and family, they couldn’t be richer!



My Mama!

Nomapondo & me dressed in the Traditional Xhosa clothes

Pumeza & Me

Me & Kunga



Nomapondo & Kunga

Me & Luhle



Traditional face painting & head wear



Pumeza

Mama!!