You are a Khumalo, just like me. We are a great people, proudly Zulu. We meet the eyes of the world. And if we do not like what we see when we go out into it, then what do we do?

We change it.

Yes, we change it. We make it better. Now is my time but one day it will be yours. When that time comes, make me proud, little sister.

His hypocrisy makes her sick and she realizes suddenly that she no longer needs to use him as a yardstick. It’s both a liberating and heartbreaking thought. “Thank you, Mama Beauty.”

“The right thing is to go speak to those mothers no matter how difficult it may be, but before you go, I want to say that as you have just discovered with your brother, secrets never stay buried for long. I do not know your reasons for lying to those women about Mandla being your son, nor do I understand why Leleti lied about your son dying in birth, but I hope the time comes when you can bring your secrets into the light. As those wiser than us have said, ‘The truth shall set you free.’” With that, she leans forward and kisses Zodwa’s forehead before sighing and standing up.

CHAPTER EIGHTY-THREE

Ruth

17 July 1996

Verdriet, Magaliesburg, South Africa

Isn’t there a later semester you can sign up for so that you aren’t wasting the whole year?” Dee asks Zodwa, who’s at the stove cooking Mandla’s lunch. Mandla is sitting on the kitchen counter squirming as Dee tries to put a bow tie on him.

I can’t believe Dee’s nagging the poor girl about her studies again. She was bitterly disappointed when Zodwa changed her plans at the beginning of the year and decided not to study for a social work degree at UNISA. She carried on and on about the wasted potential, especially since Zodwa did so well with her matric exams, but I don’t see what the big deal is.

“We can help you with some of the fees,” Dee is saying now, “if finances are the problem.”

“Thank you, but no.” Zodwa smiles to take the sting out of it but she’s made it clear the topic isn’t up for any further discussion.

I’m relieved because we have way more important things we should all be focusing on. “Off the furniture, Jez.” I clap my hands and she shoots me an injured look.

“Relax,” Dee says, calling Jez over for an ear rub. “The home assessment is just a formality. Lindiwe knows how we live.”

“Still, I want everything to go well. Zodwa, did you make those scones I asked you to?”

“Yes, Madam Ruth.”

“Please put them out with the three different jams and the clotted cream.”