The BYO STORY online magazine (March 2021)-2

March 2021

CONTENTS

AMALOJA THE COMEDY BE INSPIRED : Tumie
SERIES Mnkandla

UP CLOSE WITH : Dj Mzoe HALL OF FAME : Albert Nyathi
MEET THE TEAM : Natasha
FASHION : Mthobie Sibanda
Gora
POETRY CORNER
COVER STORY :Bekezela Nkomo
SHORT STORY
BUSINESS : Xtreme Expert

The Power of the Empty Tomb

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?
— 1 Corinthians 15:55

Life on this earth is not without dark times. We can identify periods in his-
tory when evil and darkness seemed to be in control. We can look back
on our own lives and recall times of grief, hurt, loneliness, or despair. Or
maybe those times are happening right now, and life seems empty of
meaning or purpose. Maybe all of life seems like a dark, empty space.

Jesus knows what that’s like—and even more. On the cross he suffered
the agony of complete separation from God (descending into hell) so that
we wouldn’t have to—and his body was placed in a tomb till he rose to
life again on the third day. Jesus’ work of salvation for us would not have
been complete if he did not suffer the full punishment of “unspeakable an-
guish, pain, and terror of soul” on the cross to pay the price for all our sins
(Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 44). And on Easter he rose in victory over
death so that we might share in the power of his resurrection and enjoy
new life with God. (See also Luke 23:42-46.)

Our journey into new life in Christ may take us through times of darkness.
Yet, as hard as those times may be, we can be assured that death, loneli-
ness, and despair do not have the final victory; Jesus conquered them. As
you walk through valleys of shadow in your life, lean on Jesus, the Sav-
ior—who knows you and is walking with you into new life.

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BE INSPIRED
Tumie Mnkandla .

LS :You have a great voice ,when growing up did you know you will end up being in
the media?
TM : I had no idea that one day I would be in the media, in-fact I was mocked growing up
as I was told I have a “hoarse voice” not lady like.

LS :Being part of Khulumani FM how did it come about?
TM: There was a message circulating on whatsapp about the auditions and at first I
thought It was a fake advert but the message kept coming back then I decided to call the
number and the person on the other side confirmed everything and gave me the dates for
the auditions. I went for the auditions then God handed me the job on a silver platter.

LS :You first time on radio how was the experience like ?
TM: Oh Lord! That was an epic night. I remember it was from 8pm to 12 midnight. There
were a lot of errors, my heart was beating a thousand times per second. The whole idea
that scores of people were listening was scary and exciting.

LS: From all the people you have interviewed which interview did you enjoy the
most?
TM: I have many of those kind of interviews but I think the one that stands out the most is
the Jeys Marabini one as he was the first prominent person I interviewed. I was star struck
and made it easy for me. We talked ,laughed and even took pictures, it was beautiful.

LS: You are involved in Charity work can you tell us about it and what made you
start such an initiative?
TM: I always suffer from savour complex, that’s an ailment I don’t want to heal from. It
gives me so much satisfaction to see people smile because of me. I have done many
initiatives which includes small ones that don’t get to make it on social media. Had a family
that got help from 2019 till early 2020. I donated at Nketa 9 women, filabusi women, Zim-
kids orphanage in Pumula. Most of these would not have been possible without the help of
certain Organisations and individuals. I would like to do more.

LS : What’s your dream behind the charity work you are doing ?
TM : I would like to have an orphanage of some sort. A place where people can go to when
they need help. God willing it will happen.

LS :Which other projects are you involved in?
TM :For now am focusing on charity work and some of the other things are still in the
pipeline.

LS :Being an influencer how has it changed your life ?
TM :It’s a scary thought and sometimes I have mind what I say or do. Then again it’s a
good thing having the power to influence people’s thoughts and actions .This has shown
me that everyone has a potential of being a better person.

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LS :From your busy schedule how do you make sure that you stay sane?
TM : I always reboot when I get home. NginguThoko when I am home. I listen to music,
spend time with my boy, reading and writing.
LS :What’s your take on Bulawayo arts industry and given a chance to change any-
thing what would you change?
TM : The city has so much talent. People need to give themselves time to listen, watch and
follow Bulawayo creatives so that they get an appreciation of what the city has to offer. We
need to give them support as we have the potential of being the best in the country in
terms of Arts. Businesses should also support financially .
LS : If one had to visit Bulawayo which places would you recommend for them to
visit?
TM: Bulawayo is such a diverse and beautiful City. From the old suburbs to the recently
painted beautiful murals of phenomenal women to ever come from the city. The entire city
is beautiful.
LS : What’s your party starter pack?
TM : Food, good music and drinks
LS : Which are the 3 things you can never live without?
TM : Food, money and my phone.

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HALL OF FAME

(Albert Nyathi ,Academic ,Poet
,Musician ,Writer ,Music
Producer ,Philanthropist)

From humble beginnings Albert Nyathi was born A multi award winner, who, with all his
in 1962 in Kafusi, Gwanda. He started praise achievements has been honored by different
poetry at a young age where he would sing institutions, locally and abroad.The future looks
praise poetry while herding cattle. His interest bright for this generation and many more to
deepened from Mpumelelo Primary School to come as Mr Nyathi paved way for many to
Msitheli Secondary School, both in Mpopoma follow in his footsteps and do more.
township, through to Matopo High School
up to the University of Zimbabwe. This month we honour him sithi Siyabonga
umkhulu lomsebenzi, ukwanda kwaliwa
He is famously known for the poem and song ngabathakathi. Nyathi emnyama kodwa
Senzeni na which he composed following the elenhliziyo emhlophe.
assassination of Chris Hani. Since leaving
university in 1991 Mr Nyathi has had the
opportunity of traveling around the world to
do performances as a poet, musician and an
entertainer.

This has seen him being involved in poetry
writing ,performance workshops in schools and
different tertiary institutions in numerous
countries. In 1999 (at the turn of the century)
together with his group Imbongi Nyathi was
chosen by Peace Child International in
collaboration with the United Nations, to
represent the continent of Africa in the Hawaii
Millennium Young People’s Congress .From
1998 to date, he has been championing health
awareness programs ,that include HIV and
TB and lately COVID 19. He has also been
championing gender awareness, environmental
and climate change programs ,voluntary male
circumcision ,fund raising projects and music
productions on behalf of a variety of
organizations.

His subsequent career has spanned for decades
making him a living legend who has done it all
.The uncle we go to for advice and mentoring .
Mr Nyathi is involved in many organizations
such as Zimbabwe Music Rights Association
where he is Chairman of the board and Africa
Book Development Trustwhose board he also
chairs. He has also been appointed brand
ambassador for a number of organizations,
including Telecel,and PSI among others.

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T.B.S: Tell us, who is Natasha Gora?
N.G: Natasha is a young lady who is a model, model scout, film and television student. The last
born of three.

T.B.S: What made you venture into modelling?
N.G: Growing up I looked up to my sister and she was a model, and since I loved performance
arts, I took up modelling as part of my career.

T.B.S: Did you have this as a dream back at your childhood moments?
N.G: To be honest my dream was to become a famous singer and poet, but as I got to high school,
I turned most of my energy to modelling and just writing songs and poems for others.

T.B.S: Other than your sister, who inspires you to channel your path in the modelling
industry?
N.G: Well I have always wanted to reach the Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks level in the industry.

T.B.S: Those are big names in the game, what would you do to change the world that is
different from what these two have done already?
N.G: I believe one can not change the world but can add on to the good being done so as to make
the world a better place for someone else. That being said there is nothing new to add on to what
they have done except to continue what they are doing by giving others a chance at their own
dreams through charity or words of encouragement.

T.B.S: What challenges do you face in modelling?
N.G: Just like any other industry, it’s mostly cyber bullying.

T.B.S: How do you deal with those challenges and what initiative do you take to stay
clear from them?
N.G: Well I have my family and friends to help me cope with bad comments. I sometimes tend to
go through them to see if there can be any constructive criticism. I just tend not to comment or
engage those that bring negative energy to the table.

T.B.S: Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
N.G: I see myself as an established business woman but still growing to be better.

T.B.S: What have you done with your career so far?
N.G: Well so far, I have been crowned Miss Tourism Bulawayo and I have travelled overseas and
won in China, then top 8 in Malaysia. I am signed under Embrace Afrika as an international mod-
el, so I no longer model locally its against my contract. I am also the co founder of Mr Teen Zim-
babwe with my fellow friends Ishmael Murangandi, Tatenda Njanike and Martin Uladi. I also now
work for my agency Embrace Afrika as a talent scout and also work for a magazine as a writer and
journalist. Which is to say Ihave broadened myself a bit in the entertainment industry.

T.B.S: What sorts of settings/clothes/brands do you prefer to shoot for, or wear?
N.G: Any setting for me is OK since it’s all about creativity. Any brand as long as there is a pay at
the end of the day. Same as clothes I don’t choose, but I definitely do not do boudoir or lingerie.

T.B.S: What is your greatest weakness, as a model, and what are you doing to improve
on it?
N.G: To be honest I keep my weaknesses to myself, so no one uses them against me.
T.B.S: Words of encouragement to those who wish to follow your footsteps?
N.G: Know your goals and set them high so as you fight hard to reach the standard you have set.
Do not let anyone tell you otherwise and ignore negativity around you.

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AMALOJA COMEDY SERIES

Amaloja is a comedy series about tenants who lived together in the same house. These tenants
always have tensions and squabbles and the tensions are caused by things like co-habiting, shar-
ing the resources that were there in the same house so basically Amaloja speaks to the world out
there aboutus Africans in terms of how we survive together in communities when we have to share
resources.
In each episode there is a different title that talks about different current situations and how they
are understood. One of the main characters of the series is Matshazi. She a single young moth-
er and uneducated. She is a bully and seems to struggle understanding the modern world. Then
there is Tshuma and his wife. Tshuma works for the government at a local government department
but he and his abusive wife can’t cope with economic situation and lastly their landlord MaNdlovu
who comes to stay with them, causes more tension.
There is a lot of religious and cultural conflict that she brings into the story. So in short Amaloja is
about life in the community and that there are some things that can’t be changed. For example
despite having lockdown and all in reality lockdown never worked in our African context due to
poverty and life style.

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Mzoe In Of course, every journey cannot are focused more on progress than
always be a rosy and cosy ride. speed, which actually always gets
There will be challenges along the one to their intended goals more
The Zone! way, and Dj Mzoe has had his fair efficiently in the game of life.
share. He recalls, among his most One more amazing thing that
discouraging moments, the time he FUDU Media has come to initiate
played a gig in the border town of is youth empowerment by way of
Plumtree but never got paid for it, a recently established school for
something that so many artists have Dj’s and sound engineering. This
fallen prey to in this highly volatile came about because Mzoe believes
industry. Nevertheless, he says what in the power of building each other
has kept him going through such up and building together. Already,
unpleasant experiences are his pa- their first 10 students are nearly
tience, discipline and consistency. ready to graduate this year. This
He never lets things put him down, initiative is Mzoe’s way of giving
but chooses to just keep going, with back to the city that raised him by
his eyes on the prize. helping to ensure that more young
We cannot speak of popular people become forward thinking
night spots in Bulawayo and entrepreneurs and secure a better
not mention Hustlers Night- Playing at gigs is not the only way future for themselves in these un-
club, and that’s where Sibanen- this creative uses his gift. He is a predictable times.
gi Ndebele, a.k.a Dj Mzoe, a hit maker as well! You’ve probably There you have it. A creative, an
highly motivated, passionate heard the Maliyami vibe on your entrepreneur an anthropologist, a
artist, renowned for his prow- radio and/or phone countless times believer in the power of teamwork,
ess on the sound desk, broke by now. That is a popular hit he and to many, an inspiration. The
into the music industry back in made, which featured Senko on beauty of it is, he’s only just begun,
2004 and it’s been a beautiful vocals. You can rest assured that and we can look forward to seeing
experience ever since, both for there’ll be more hits to come! Also, and hearing more of Dj Mzoe for a
him and the rest of us who get a Mzoe has played in South Africa, long time to come.
taste of his creative genius and Zambia, Bostwana and Namibia,
innovation. He also had played alongside some of the music greats Fb: MzoeDj Byo Zim
at Safari Bar before that. How- of the Southern African region. Insta: MzoeDj Byo Zim
Twitter: MzoeDj Byo Zim
ever, this is not his entire story... Music is not the only thing this Insta:Fudu_media
iconic artist does, however. The
Mzoe went to Mzilikazi High founder of FUDU Media, a compa-
School and went on to do ny whose name was derived from
higher learning at Bulawayo his first car -a vintage Mini Cooper
Polytechnic College. He then nicknamed “Fudu”- Dj Mzoe has
worked at a Supermarket in the built a business entity that believes
city for a while, before moving in moving forward, no matter how
from tapping keys on point of slow the pace, and it shows in how
sale machines to turning knobs the company is packed with amaz-
and spinning disks on a mixer! ing products and services on offer.

As Dj Mzoe, Sibanengi has won They have a music studio, and do
Bulawayo’s Best Dj Award at photography, videography, graphic
Intwasa for four years running, design and printing in all its forms,
plus the Miller Dj Challenge and shuttle services, to mention
2010. These have been the high- but a few. They even have an online
lights of his career so far. So, it’s vegetable market.

plain to see that this Dj doesn’t FUDU Media is expanding, despite
mess around! economic constraints because,

much like ufudu (the tortoise), they

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Patience Pays: The Bekezela Story

Who is Bekezela?
The name Bekezela has always been broad
centered around music as my biggest
passion. So Bekezela is an entertainer, a
‘music-preneur,’ a teacher, an Afro jazz
artist, a storyteller, a composer, a director,
vocal coach, a father and a son. There’s
many ways to define Bekezela, but all within
the music and creative sphere.

On his childhood a lot . So, there was nothing else but music for
There’s nothing really extraordinary about me and there will be no ‘life after music’ as this is
my upbringing. I was just a normal kid in the my entire life’s journey.
rural areas,mostly in my grandmother’s care.
I was brought up well-disciplined and quite What’s his favorite musical instrument?
reserved somewhat timid. Also later when I I used to play the keyboard, but I felt limited. I
was in primary school I wasn’t much of an didn’t want to sit or stand in one place. I wanted
outspoken child. I did, however excel in to move around and be free when I perform. I
languages and other arts disciplines, so used to watch Oliver Mtukudzi and loved how
I was always called upon whenever the free he was on stage,so I just fell in love with
school needed someone to perform some the guitar! I have two guitars, my ‘girls’, Precious
task around those disciplines, be it class- and Princess. Precious is a slender nylon string
based activities, or bigger events like the Washburn classical guitar from Germany, gifted
Annual Speech and Prize Giving Day. me by a friend upon his return from one of his
European tours. Then, Princess is also a
I became our family’s ‘song bank’ as my German guitar I got later. She’s a fuller figured
grandmother would teach me songs all the nylon string semi-acoustic with a beautiful sound!
time and if they needed to remember any
song they’d refer to me and I’d sing it, just His early public singing experience?
like that. I was also in the school choir and My musical foundation was in the church choir. It
we used to travel to the city for competitions, was a more contemporary gospel choir than the
and later actually moved to the city to live conventional chorale, but nevertheless just as
with my mother, where I continued singing meticulous when it came to rehearsal and
and joined my high school’s choir. I had the presentation. I really started to push myself and
rare honor of being chosen as a lead singer found my voice during that time and became a
for a recording project that my high school powerful vocalist at church, especially after the
did in the capital city. amazing Gaberone International Youth Choir
My grandmother’s influence on my life as a from Botswana really perfomed well in a choirs
man and an artist, especially during my early competition! Gosh, those people could sing!
years of life has made me the man i am to- Later on I did secular music, namely
day and I would like to do a concert contemporary jazz. So, yeah, that’s where my
sometime, entitled “Ingoma ZikaGogo.” voice was molded into the Bekezela you hear on
the airwaves today.
Was there anything before music for Bekezela?
I can’t say there was a journey before music Greatest musical influencers?
for me because I’ve been singing for as long From an early age I have been influenced by
as I can remember. I had already been great artists like Ringo Madlingozi, Oliver
singing by the time I went to junior school, Mtukudzi, Mam’Letta Mbulu, Caiphus
as my grandmother was fond of singing Semenya, Hugh Masekela, Mam’ Tu Nokwe,
every evening during family prayer sessions.
We also went to church a lot, where we sang

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Mam’ Busi Mhlongo, Umfaz’ Omnyama, to mention and I love the connection we already
but a few. I listened to their music, dreaming that I have. It’s just a matter of time until the
myself would one day travel the world as a recording universe brings us together
artist, and that has really shaped how I sing today. for a project that we will both be proud of
I have also had had the honor of sharing the stage and the world will feast on!
with, and even being mentored by, some of these
same artists. So, what’s next from Bekezela?
I’ve already launched a new song that
And setbacks, if any..? we’re currently promoting. It’s entitled
Breaking into the music industry was a very hectic ‘Uluju,’ a song that satires the life of
process! It really requires ukuBekezela (pun young people in the old days, when
intended), so like my name states, I had to be very suitors had to wait for their potential
patient, knowing that one day, all my patience would lovers at community wells, rivers, and so
pay off. In fact, the song that put me onto the map on, where they would perform all sorts of
had already been in existence for a long time back theatricals, like drawing a line in a girl’s
home, before it hit the mainstream in South Africa. path and telling her that they would
Mpumalanga radio station, Ikwekwezi FM, started become a couple as soon as she
the trek that would see my debut song becoming crossed that line. They also used to
popular in 2016, a song I had recorded in 2011. So, I praise the object of their affection with
can say I was an underground sensation, before I got sweet words of poetry, calling all the
my big break. praise names of the girl’s
Of course, there are always a few setbacks for every family, and generally doing their best to
artist. I remember listening to great releases from woo the girl. So, this is a song for suitors.
the likes of Zahara, Musa, Nathi and Vusi Nova and The song also signifies my freedom, as
thinking, “Hey, I believe that, given the resources, I it is my first single as an independent
can give these artists a run for their money![laughs]” artist. The next upcoming song is
So, I set out to gather the means to make it ‘UnguThixo’ whose composition explores
happen. It was really hard, but I was not about to a different feel in terms of cultural
look back! I needed an average of about R4000 per influence and languages in the
song, so really I had to hustle. Fortunately, arrangement. It will be collaboration with
MuthaLand Records picked me up before too long, Lizibo and Tshepo Lesole from
in 2017,while I was working at a restaurant, and that Botswana. So, all my fans are in for a
was the time ‘Bekezela’ became an overnight real treat this year!
sensation and my life changed, just like that.
The world can expect a lot of new and
What kept Bekezela going? unique content from me hereafter, as
Aside from the love for music, my family has always Bekezela Music has become an
kept me going. I get up every other morning with a independent creative entity. You’ll all be
vision to make it big and be the pride of the family I seeing a lot more from me, together with
come from. Also I would like to settle down and different artists who will become a part of
start my own family, so that keeps me striving to the Bekezela Music catalogue.
excel to build wealth and success around myself. As
well, I would like to use whatever wealth I amass to On launching Uluju, at a venue were you
help my community in any way that I can. So, it’s once worked in/
not just about me at the end of the day. I remember that I once did a concert at
that same place when I was still
His dream collaboration employed there. Now, because I
My dream collaboration will be with Kelly Khumalo. was an ‘unknown’ my then boss laughed
We won’t retire from this [music] game without that at me and thought I was being too
collaboration, and when we do, it’s going to tip the ambitious, so he gave me a mandate to
scales! I love uMaKhumalo, her energy, her voice, sell a lot of tickets within a few days, or
her creativity (she’s a genius), her story-telling, her he would not open the shop for my
attitude and her strength. We’ve shared the stage concert. However, when I got back to

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him and told him I was sold-out, he suddenly changed the initial terms of our agreement and
basically took every cent I had made.Then, all my ideas around my vision for my music were not
really been taken seriously throughout my journey, so that launch, which was on my birthday, was
proof that I was born for this, despite all the doubts that people I worked with had placed on me.
So, this was also a very emotionally charged moment, because I outdid myself and wowed those
who did not expect me to be able to stand on myown.
This is my story. This is my life, and the beauty of it? I’ve only just begun!

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NG. Please briefly introduce yourself to our readers FASHION

MS: Mthobie Sibanda a fashion designer/textile designer. I have been designing for 4 years and I

graduated with BYO poly in 2021. I am the founder and CEO of the brand INDWANGU meaning

the fabric. It’s a Xhosa inspired name. I have a platinum heart for high end fashion. Born in a

family 3 beingthe middle child and very different from my siblings. I am not just a fashion designer

but an aspiring social worker. I am currently studying at Women’s University in Africa.

NG: When did you start modeling and why did you stop/
MS: l started off at a local agency but it was for grooming lessons and most people assumed I am
into modeling as well but however I once did a runway years back for a friend of mine.

NG: Being a designer what made you love it/
MS: I have always loved fashion, creating while growing but it grew into me around 2013 when
I met Cyril Gopoza of CG creations and his friend Crox. I was looking for an outfit for a wedding
and I then decided to look for a tailor and that’s when I stumbled on designers. At that time I didn’t
know that designers existed. I just started hanging around them as I enjoyed watching them bring
a cut up fabric it’s a lively beautiful design. At that point I knew I wanted to do what they were
doing.

NG: When looking at the fashion industry in Zimbabwe what are your long term goals on achieving
a big base?
MS: Well I won’t disclose much but I will say 5 years from now fashion industry in Zimbabwe,
particularly in Bulawayo will be paying me.

NG: Any plans on working with any other designers for a clothing line?
MS: Absolutely, plans are there on the pipe line. We are actually working on a collection with a
designer who resides in SA ‘Khulile Sibanda’ and under my brand I work with a stylist. These
collaboration so far seem to be working perfectly fine for me.

NG: What is your clothing label based on?
MS: My clothing label is based on ladies high end fashion wear but ever since I went for
attachment at the industries I have became so versatile. I am also into textile dying and painting.

NG: When can we expect a launch of your clothing line that can shut down the city?
MS: The launch is coming soon but however we praying and hoping covid 19 ends because I want
it to be big.

NG: Who do you look up to in the country and abroad when it comes to fashion inspiration?
MS: In the country I look up to so many creatives like Tapfumanei Menenge from Harare then
abroad I look up to Michelle’s Clapton game of thrones costume designer.

NG: Any wise words to upcoming designers?
MS: Fashion is not a walk in a park but these is space for everyone. In order to make it, one had to
work extra hard and should have passion and not just do it for fame and money.

NG: What would you love to be remembered for in this lifetime
MS: I would love to be remembered for my good heart, time shared with me and a leader who
helps people find themselves.

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Mthobie Sibanda

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Article By :Mike Saini

The Byo Story page 23

THE DIARY OF AN ORPHAN

“Free yourself brother. You deserve to see the future!” Those were my little sister’s final
words as she passed away in my arms.

My name is Timu. I was born in a family of two. I am the first born and Nobuhle was the
last born. My father was a barrister and my mom a nurse. May their souls rest in peace.
Before the passing away of my parents, they brought the devil into our lives, Agnes.
Agnes is my uncle’s daughter. After my uncle passed away, he left Agnes homeless. My
father then decided to raise her. Mother was against it but as a woman she had to
support her husband and she did.

At first Agnes was a sister that I wished to have. She was loving and caring. After the
terrible accident that killed my parents, she changed. She became the devil. Agnes was
twenty-seven when my parents died and I was twelve. As for Nobuhle she was just
seven. My grandparents decided that Agnes was to take care of us back in the city. My
parents had left a lot of money and businesses for me and my little sister. Agnes became
the manager of my parents’ businesses and I bet that’s what changed her.
Three months after my parents passed on, she transferred us from boarding school to
day school. Within a few weeks she eventually stopped us from attending school. She
would make us do all the house chores while she would be busy flirting with men. Our
house turned from being a humble home into a brothel.
One fateful day, one of her multiple boyfriends came and she wasn’t home. He was
disappointed. He needed someone to calm his sexual hormones so he turned to my little
sister. He brutally raped her and it still pains me that I wasn’t able to help. She screamed
for help and he moaned with pleasure. After his evil deed he left a happy man, leaving
me to console my sister. We told Agnes what had transpired. Instead of helping, she
turned to me and she raped me. Afterwards, she threatened us not to say a word.
Three weeks later, Nobuhle fell sick. Her womanhood became sore. We told Agnes but
she didn’t move a muscle, rather she scolded us. I became worried about Nobuhle’s
deteriorating condition but the revelation was far from over. I too fell sick. My manhood
started producing an unpleasant odour. Weeks passed and with each day passing, we
were getting worse and worse. All Agnes could do was to watch and curse our sickness.
My condition was better than Nobu’s.

One day, I noticed danger from her eyes. They were turning pearly. I forced myself to
walk and tell my aunty about Nobu’s condition, but she wasn’t moved. It seemed as if
she was just waiting for the day she would bury us. I decided to act. I took my sister and
carried her on my back and I headed to the hospital.
One good Samaritan spotted us and he offered to take me and my sister to the hospital.
He helped Nobu to board his car. I took her into my arms as the man drove. Nobuhle
looked at me straight in the eyes and ordered me to free myself. Then she sighed and
that was her last breath. She died in my arms.
Weeks after Nobuhle’s passing, Agnes and her friends were arrested.

Written by: Timukudzeishe Gumbo (Mr Star)
Edited by: Nomie

The Byo Story page 24

THE GAP BETWEEN.

So, I was thinking the other day about kids that play in class, what if they didn’t get enough
time to play during break, what if the break time is increased, would they still play in class.
Truth is their playfulness disrupts other kids in class. That got me thinking, maybe if we
had a gap long enough we could know how to behave in relationships. If we had breaks
long enough we would get back in class refreshed and better and looking forward to the
best that the class has to offer. The real question is what do you do during the gap, how
long is the gap? Gap being the time between your last relationship and the current one.
The fluidity of our social dynamics has seen us in an era where the sun rises before one has
set. Where relationships end when one is already in a new one. It’s seemingly become a
common practice. I don’t know how safe that is for either party in the relationship or the
third party but who is the third party? You know what CUT!

The way relationships functions, is one actively shares their lives with another. Better half
type of nonsense, it means what is mine is yours not in the marriage context no, but in the
‘after me comes you’ or ‘before me comes you’ or the ‘I want you to know all that I do first’.
In the joint hobbies, places and habits; in the ‘you are my first thought in the morning and
my last in the evening’, in the you are who I think about when I listen to love songs. This is
both the curse and the beauty of relationships how they knit our lives and souls so
intricately, how we are the better part of each other. This explains the pain one feels when it
either suddenly or timely ends. Question is what do you do then?

It is common that at that time one absorbs the hurt, feels all the pains that they went
through in the relationship up to the time it ends. And it’s not always about the pain it’s
about the beauty and the mystery and the state in which the relationship was. Sometimes
it’s not hurt, its regret. Probably the regret of the course of the relationship and what we
could have done differently or better. I understand this as the review mirror, not the car
one I don’t understand that one, but being in the middle of and being on the by stands of
the relationship at the same time. It’s common for ladies to breakdown at this stage, let it
all out.

A lot of people work on themselves during the gap. This is to say as independent as we are
in relationship we have learnt to stand on each other for support, the bad and the good
news are shared, the dreams and all, we get to a point where we need to learn to live our
lives by ourselves, just us. Loneliness then becomes a loyal friend you know. I mean think
about it somebody special is missing. You are now a Tom without a Jerry see…
Survey says for guys the process might be very differently and strongly characterized by
rebounds, flings and what note. Question is as you fling and rebound have you thought that
probably you are causing the other person the same heart break you are trying to move on
from? Or better yet they move on faster than they can blink, all in the bid to not seem heart
broken, all I want to know does is, does it ever work?

As much as dating or living has no template so does moving on or what is done during the
gap. But am pretty sure there are examples that work on how other people have lived. There
is nothing new under the sun after all.

Dear Reader, what if we sat for a moment and started to evaluate where we have been, where
we are going and what it is we want to do next. What if we did all that introspected, took a
step back and reflected on what it is that went wrong. What if we worked on ourselves took

The Byo Story page 25

time to heal, because the truth is, some relationships burn us out and some relationships
hurt us such that we swear off relationships. What if we took a moment to breathe, won’t we
then give the best of ourselves to the next relationship? Now is the time to reflect. Selfintrospect
and work on you. You and you alone are a priority to yourself. You find yourself,
find your purpose in life and know what you want to become and are destined to become.
The truth is, after each relationship, our lives are changed for good, never to be the same.
That’s how powerful our interactions are and believe their existence, the interactions, should be
deliberate. The gap is however long it takes for us to be well again. It’s personal like that. I know
a friend that takes a 2 year gap religiously.

At the end of the day we do what’s best for us, what works for us, for our heart. Holding on to a
broken relationship never helps. It’s like grabbing sand, it’s always gonna slip right through your
fingers.

I want to know what you do between the gap, what gets you through, so let’s chat
(0785116745). Till next time, keep on loving

HLAKANIPHA

Hlakaniph’ uhlome.
Utshiy’ ukuhlephuk’ okwenhlaka yeshlahla somsehla.
Uhlikihl’ uhlakahl’ uvul’ amehl’ uyek’ ukuhloba uhlulukelwa samunt’ ohlatshway’
emhlane.

Gadl’ ehlombe utshiye ukuba lihlongandlebe elingela nhloso bazakuhleka.
Hlokom’ uzihlolisise.
Ungaze wahlasimul’ engani uhlafuna umhlafutho.
Vul’ amehl’ ubelenhlos’ utshiy’ ukufihl’ utshay’ amahlahl’ ulahlek’ okwamahlamv’
eshlahla sewohlo.

Uhluz’ ubelenhlos’ ehlakaniphiley’ elohlonzi njengomhluzi wenhlanzi.
Ungaze walahleka okwenhlansi zomlilo wehlathi.
Kodw’ uvul’ inhliziy’ uvumel’ umhleng’ ahlale phakathi.
Ukuz’ uthol’ isinkwa sokuphil’ esimnand’ okwesomfahlwa.
Utshiy’ ukuhlaselana lamahlabusi lawo otshon’ uwahlahlel’ amehlo.
Fun’ ulahleke njengenhlabathi yehlabathi esihlabathini ngoNhlolanja.

Hlala phansi ngikuhlebel’ ungakangen’ ihlath’ uhlangane lenhlathu.
Ukuqala kokuhlakanipha yikumaz’ ohlel’ esihlalweni sobukhos’ ongumhlengi
wakho,
ngakh’ ulenhloso ngawe.

Ungasaze wazihlupha ngomuhlwa okuhlaseleyo yena uzawuhlula ngoba esakho
isono
sesahlawulwa.
Ngakho hlom’ ulind’ ukumhlangabeza.
Awubezw’ abenkosi behlabela engani libutho lisiya hlasela.
Ingoma yab’ ehlabusayo njenge sahlaka.

Law’ usungahlanganelana labo mhla umhleng’ ezohlol’ abahle.
Ilotshwe ngu
Thembekile Nyoni

The Byo Story page 27