Mbuso’s foot hit the ground and the dust lifted in a standing ovation to the dance she was performing. Vibrations from the drums coursed through performer and spectator alike. Their thundering sound mimicked by the clapping of hands and ululation. Joy and belonging fully manifested and impossible to deny. “Ngiyabonga, Ngiyabonga bazali …” she began… Continue reading The Heritage of Our Things
Author: Nomabandi
What Happens After
There below the surfaceJust under your skin Flows blood as red as mineAnd when too much is spilt your heart stops just as mine wouldThere below the surfaceAway from your gazeAre cells that hold your parents DNA the same way that my cells hold myheritageAnd when you open your palmsLife lines criss-cross like the highways of… Continue reading What Happens After
Thulubonge Mpande
The moon is full and it’s soft light invades every corner of Thulubonge’s lounge. The tv is the only thing that is switched on but Thula is still able to see every expression on Mama’s face. The floor is the coolest part of the room and Thula’s stomach and legs are able to find some… Continue reading Thulubonge Mpande
Poem #9
Like two oscillating steel beams Anxiety and happiness steadily move around each other The pair barely related but adequately diagnose my condition Far sighted My emotions blur the next step Often found staring at what could be Wishing and waiting for the perfect time Reducing my gait into a mime In frustration I mount on… Continue reading Poem #9
Poem #8
Because I have a second life I put today on hold Because I have a second life I live today as if I'm not getting old Because I have a second life I wished the day away I took today’s treasure and forced it to walk slowly into tomorrow In the end, it was tired… Continue reading Poem #8
#17 The twins – Smangaliso and Samukelisiwe
“Usuyajola wena?” Sonics voice comes crashing into Samu’s bedroom. “Have you slept with him?” he asks and the twins frown. Samu frowns out of fear. She has a fear towards Sonic that she mistakes for respect. Sma frowns out of fatigue. If she could roll her eyes she would, but she knows that it would… Continue reading #17 The twins – Smangaliso and Samukelisiwe
#15 Thobani noKhanyisa
The ride back home is quiet. Thoba assumes Khanyi and I had a fight. Four years and this is the one thing she doesn’t understand about me - I don’t let my emotions from one situation spill into another. She will be very surprised when Khanyi comes to pick me up tomorrow. It’s an hour… Continue reading #15 Thobani noKhanyisa
#14 Tumiso le Kagiso
A knock on the window startles them both. “Hayi fuseg man,” Tumiso says while holding the sides of his seat. Kagiso tries to hold his laugh in but fails. He reaches for the car keys in the cup holder and unlocks the doors. “How much have I missed?” asks Themba. “Title sequence,” Kagiso replies with… Continue reading #14 Tumiso le Kagiso
#13 The Twins – Smangaliso and Samukelisiwe
“Awushehe man Sma, you know how impatient usis’ Nina can be,” Samu snaps at Sma. “Why do you insist on calling her ngosisi? She’s only a few years older than us, yinivele?” Sma snaps back. Samu rushes down the stairs and occasionally stops to look back at Sma, as if she can will her into… Continue reading #13 The Twins – Smangaliso and Samukelisiwe
#11 Thobani noKhanyisa
Six years ago. I can’t believe this bish is moving, “to be closer to god”, her words not mine, "you know work is my religion baebae,” she announced. I know she’s only moving in a few months but I already know that I’m going to miss her and the convenience of us living in the same… Continue reading #11 Thobani noKhanyisa
Noma the writer 