‘I should never forget who I am’
"My late grandmother used to remind me that I was born a Zulu and will forever be a Zulu person."
Bongekile Precious ‘Sthe’ Gumede is a Zulu-speaking 34-year-old living in Gamalakhe.
She is the firstborn child to Busisiwe Nzama with one brother, Andile Nzama. She is also a mother of two.
Heritage Month: Unfortunately as a family, we don’t celebrate Heritage Day, if and when I do celebrate, I celebrate with friends. We usually have a braai.
Family traditions: Since I lost my grandparents, life has not been the same. We hardly share meals. Everyone in my family is living their own life and has extended family. So home is not the same. We still do get to share meals if we have traditional family occasions but that only happens maybe once in two years. The last gathering we had was in memory of my late grandmother, a year or two ago.
Favourite meal: Steamed bread, sugar beans and chicken dumplings.
Home truths: My late grandmother used to remind me that I was born a Zulu and will forever be a Zulu person. Even though in my schooling life I was introduced to different cultures, I should never forget who I am.
Cultural misconception: I am one who believes in my ancestors or forefathers and I see that people take praying or performing rituals for Amadlozi or Ukutwasa as witchcraft. I believe it’s the only way one can have a connection with lost loved ones and for them to communicate with us. So I wish every culture understands that communicating with those who have passed on is not witchcraft.
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