Celebrating Years 80
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celebratingmomentswithyou... yourlovingfamily
OprahWinfrey
‘A mother’s legacy is not what she leaves behind, but what she weaves into the fabric of her children’s character.’ - Alice Walker
To me Mama epitomises grace and deep values of family first, inclusivity, empathy, nurturing, hard work and resilience; I have learnt to appreciate all these values from her.
Mama loves family; is the glue that keeps us together and this is her biggest legacy. We know all our relatives both maternal and paternal because she has made sure we understand the value of extended family. Uyazithanda izizalwane, ooMzala noo Kanina, asifundise nendlela emasibabize ngayo.
For Mama, education is non-negotiable, kuyabonakala ke alpha kwinzala yakhe; abanye bethu balunyulelwa esikolweni. ‘Ndixolele ukuthengisa ihagu kunoba kubekho umntana ongayi esikolweni’. This is one of the strongest principles they shared with uTata.
Mama has been a supportive mother to me, my husband and our first daughter Sncesh. She made sure that we went back to school and took care of our baby; one of the greatest gifts to us. She is a great-grandmother to Lolly. - u Lovie. We are blessed to have her as the anchor of our family at large. We are always excited to go home or welcome her in Joburg for her ‘Doctor’ visits; which lately coincide with her birthday, for the fun of it.
Mama is hardworking, and resilient and has weathered many storms in her life; nothing fazes her; be it health or other life challenges; she takes every problem or challenge head on and never rests until she has found a solution. She brought up many children alone as Tata worked and lived in Johannesburg. She did all that; whilst being inclusive and nurturing other family members in the different stages of their lives; ooBhutana besesikolweni abathumelele icuba; Bhuti Bantu and their bread baking stories; ooMalume Vulindlela. She has stories for days.
I have also learnt from her that your hobbies can be your purpose post-retirement from your career. Mama’s farming hobby has been her ‘touchstone’ / reason for living since she retired almost 30 years ago. ‘Hayi ke andinawuthi ndinomhlaba ndiyothenga umbona, i vege, nenkukhu evenkileni, yhini madoda.`
Above all Mama loves fun! Uyayithanda I joy. We are not sure actually noba sifuze yena okanye uMbasane na. Masibe happy ke Mama and celebrate your 80th birthday your way..
Nomfanelo
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years, and life you inspire in others.”
Andikwazi tu ukubhala ngawe Nontombi ndingaqalanga ekusibetheni, ekusitswebeni, nasekusingxoliseni kwakho, hayi usizamile straight akulibaleki kodwa ndiyikhumbula ndihleka yonke lonto kuba ndandiyazi uba yindlela yakho yokusifundisa. Nangoku ndicinga uninzi lwethu sikhule siyazi ukuba, uba umntu uphume emgceni uzakuzibona. Ndiyazibulela ezomfundiso, ingqeqesho yakho mna ndiyayibona apho indincede khona apha ebomini.
Ezona ntsuku zobuncinci endizikhumbula kakhulu apho ndabona khona uba umntu ongumama wenza njani ebantwabeni bakhe, kungela xesha ndandiphathwa kakhulu zii-tonsils, usehla usenyuka uzamana nempilo yam, sinethwa ziimvula. Ndafunda
ukuba xa unomntwana uncama konke.
Ezinye iinkumbulo zam yila ndlela yaseNgqungqu sasiyihamba mihla nezolo kutshisa, kunetha, kubanda; wayenza indima yakho yokuba singayiboni njengokuhleleleka okanye uba yingxaki kodwa sibenenkumbulo ezimnandi ngayo. Nalapho wawuthi xa ubona uba kunzima kuyanetha usicingele usicelele kuloBuyiselwa, kodwa wena unethwe zezomvula utyiwe nayilo ngqele ube usithi kunyanzekile wena ulale ekhaya. Ndayazi ngoko ke uba umntu ongumama noba kwenzekani unyanzelekile alale ekhaya akalali esithubeni.
Eyona mfundiso yobomi endingasoze ndiyilibale yinto owawuthanda ukuyithetha uthi "ungaze uyirhalele impilo yomnye umntu, yoneliseka yile yakho". Yandifundisa lukhulu lonto, ingakumbi apha ebudaleni iyandisebenzela.
Ndiye ndithi xa ndithetha ngawe, ngithi ungumntu ozithuleleyo, awunanto ininzi ephuma ngomlomo kodwa uyasazi sonke singabantwana bakho kwaye uyazidina ngathi ngabanye ngabanye. Ndiyazi kakhulu lonto xa omnye wethu enengxaki okanye esengxakini yobomi kuba umane uzidina ubuzisa uba ude wathini ubani.
Ndiluvile mna uthando lwakho olungazigwagwisiyo kule minyaka mine idlulileyo emva koba kudlule umntakwenu emhlabeni. Noxa ungaziphalazi iingcinga nentlungu yakho, ndikubonile uzigibisela ulungiselela ukukhulula kwam izila wenza konke okusemandleni akho andabinasikrokro. Ndakubona usiza kumsebenzi wokuphothula kwam intwaso. Kuzo zombini ezi zihlandlo ndazibona ndithamsenqekiile ukudlula kule mida mibini phantsi kwezandla, imithandazo, nenkxaso yakho.
Ndiyabulela Sweleba, Gqagqane, Sesese, Yanibo, Ndzopha. Uyathandwa ndim.
lukhulu ndayazi
Mama is a very strong woman, usikhulisile utata eseGoli. She went through a lot as wife to uTata ohlala eGoli. She is my role model kahle kahle. Umama uyayimela into yakhe. And umama ungumntu ongazingeniyo izinto zabantu. Ungumtu ozithandela uxolo.
I am so blessed to have this opportunity to celebrate Mama's life and share my fondest memories of her while she is still alive. I thank God for Mama's life. I will forever cherish the values and lessons she instilled in me.
One of my fondest memories is when she would visit me eMthatha when I was in primary school. I would always beg her to move me to a school close to home eMqanduli. She would refuse and tell me the importance of quality education. Mama would sacrifice her last cent to ensure I had all I needed for school. Education was her number one priority for her children. I’m proud to say that we all have completed degrees and are independent because of her love for education. I remember at one of my graduation ceremonies as I walked to collect my certificate she stood up and shouted “yiNkosi ke leyo!”. I was shocked by how reserved she was. I felt so special and loved that day.
Mama taught us responsibility and independence from a young age. She would ensure we had chores during school holidays that would last the whole day to keep us out of trouble. If we don’t complete them we will get a hiding.
I am who I am today because of my mother’s love. Her care, guidance, and unwavering support have shaped me today. The values and lessons she instilled in me are gifts that continue to guide me in life. Her principles of kindness, resilience, integrity, and faith have undoubtedly shaped the person I am today.
I love you, Mama.
Masakane
Mama taught us how to pray, to be consistent in going to church, and to serve with dedication. Even today, when I end my prayers, I say, “Nganga ungafikelel’ apho ndingafikelelanga khona, ngenxa kaYesu Krestu, iNkosi yethu, amen.”
She always said, “Ungaborhalela ubomi bomnye umntu,” teaching us to appreciate what we have and focus on our own paths.
As a child, I loved to fight, and she would remind me, “Kulo kroti kuyalilwa, kulo gwala kuyahlekwa,” teaching me the bad impact fighting could have on my life.
Cleanliness was a value she held dearly, and she made sure everyone contributed, even through tough love. If she wasn’t home and the house wasn’t clean, we would hear ivan approaching and everyone would scatter to finish what they hadn’t done! Hehehe… those were the days!
Mama instilled humility, respect, resilience, kindness, humbleness and responsibility in us. Her kindness was especially evident in the way she always welcomed strangers into our home, teaching us to care for others selflessly.
Though she is soft-spoken, she commanded respect and held firm boundaries (Uthule but akafun’uqhelwa).
Her discipline was strict but always rooted in love even if it meant a pinch that left a mark. Wanditsweba gqithi! She would pinch me and say, “Ndakuyeka usakucela uxolo,” when I did something wrong. Oh, did she pinch me until I turned purple!
Mama shaped who we are today, moulding us with her strength, kindness, and unwavering love. We are truly blessed to have her as our guide, our teacher, and our pillar.
Nombeko
Mama is one of the strongest women I know, her resilience and grace are unmatched. She has faced countless challenges but has achieved so much, always with a smile that lights up every room she enters. Whenever I’m going through tough times, I think of how she managed to raise so many children while working tirelessly, yet still found joy in the world around her. What inspires me most is how she believes in me. Her unwavering confidence in my abilities has become my source of strength; every time I complete a task, I carry a part of that belief with me.
She has had a profound impact on my life. She is my role model, the leader I aspire to become. She has taught me that no matter what challenges life throws us, we can always rise above them. Her commitment to contributing to the community, whether it was through supporting our schools, or her ongoing involvement in church and agricultural committees, has shown me the importance of giving back. It’s because of her that I have learned to serve others, and I continue to strive to make a positive difference in the world, just as she has done.
One of the most important lessons she taught me is, “Not all that glitters is gold.” She helped me understand the value of doing things at my own pace and not succumbing to the pressures of comparing myself to others. I’ve learned to honour my journey and trust in my own path, and this wisdom has been a constant guide in my life.
Turning 80 is a milestone. Happy birthday! We will be celebrating 100 years in 20 years!
Mama as a mother, confidante and source of strength:
As one of the youngest children, I must admit that growing up mama spoiled me . She taught me the soft life lol. Growing up we were friends, she took me EVERYWHERE, and I was like her little handbag
A lesson she taught me: Independence! Oh, mama punted independence and I'm so so grateful for that! Especially financial independence. Oh man, I could kiss her fit for that lesson
We had lots of fun, mostly at church. Church was big growing up. She was my source of strengthnonjudgmental when I made mistakes. Quick to forgive when I've wronged. Loves people and treats everyone equally. Most of my soft qualities I get from her.
Positive impact:
Mama rewarded hard work and success. I knew if I wanted something, all I needed to do was to pass well! So, from a very young age, I was always motivated to be the best in class and that has been a positive trait that never left me always striving to be the best! And now as I get older, the meaning of being the best has taken different meanings/variations... now I no longer just want to be successful from a career perspective but I want to be the best wife, the best mother, the best sister, best friend and most importantly; the best version of myself.
PS: yes, it does come with a lot of pressure but I seem to like pressure, good pressure *wink* oh and hunny, I reward myself and my people for every small win and I can only hope it will have the same positive impact.
Xa ndicinga ngomama, ndiyendibenomfanekiso weNdlovukazi.
Indlovu iyintloko yekhaya.
Indlovu iyalukhokhela usapho lwayo.
Indlovu ifundisa ngezenzo nzayo nangendlela eziphatha ngayo.
Indlovu iyazithanda, icocekile, ayityi noba yintoni.
Indlovu inesidima, inesingqj.
Indlovu inothando futhi iyavikela.
UManzopha yindlovukazi!!!
Ngumntu okrelekrele kakhulu, ondifundise ukuziphatha nokuzimela.
Undifundise ukuthandaza nokubanombulelo. Undifundise ukwazi abantu. Undifundise nokuphokozela abanye abantu kwesam isitya xasigcwele. Undibonisile ukuba inene Indlovu ayisindwa ngumboko wayo.
Umama ukhulusile! Ukhulise thina bantwana bakhe! Ukhulise abantwana eyewayebatitsha! Ukhulise ikhaya lethu! Ukhulise naye! Futhi yonke into ayibambayo ikhula iqhakaze! Umama yincambu yomthi!
The roots of a tree are constant, they quietly reach out, draw life from the soil and spread it throughout the tree. They hold the tree steady, even in the fiercest storms, ensuring that the trunk remains upright, the leaves remain vibrant, and the branches stretch ever higher. I am because you are!
The tree may grow taller, expand further, and flourish on its own, yet it can never forget the strength and nourishment that flows from the roots below, the mother's quiet love that has given it everything it needs to thrive!
Intliziyo yam iyohlala intyiloza umbulelo ngokundibamba sesisa sesandla sakho. Enkosi!
GildaRadner
DanielleCarson
Mama - I have known you for 37 years now. Through these years you have been consistently wonderful, caring and loving to me and my friends. May you be blessed with good health and happiness for as long as you are around.
Khanyisa
MrsNovotileHolomisa:RootedinHome,GroundedinLove
Tome,MrsNovotileHolomisaismuchmorethanamother-in-law;sheisamother,a grandmother,andacornerstoneoftheMancamcommunity.Havinglivedafulllifein theruralareasoftheEasternCape,shehasbecomearespectedfigureandaguiding lightforthosearoundher.Herpassionforagricultureandherunwaveringsupportfor thecommunityhaveleftanindeliblemarkoneveryoneshetouches.
Furthertohercommunitywork,it’simpossiblenottospeakaboutherprofoundlove forhergardenandlivestock.Fromtendingtochickens,pigs,cows,andsheep,her connectiontothelandisareflectionofherdeeprootsinrurallife.Herheartremains firmlyplantedinMancam,initsvalleys,underitscloudyskies,andthroughitseverrainingsummerdays.
What’sremarkableisherunwaveringlongingforhome,evenwhenlifedemandsthat shetraveltoJohannesburgforfamilyoccasionsorhealthreasons.Eachtriptothecity, whilenecessary,seemstotugatherheartstrings,pullingherbacktoherbeloved EasternCape.Unlikemanywhomightdreamofcitylife,Mrs.Holomisa’ssoulistied tothesimplicityandbeautyofruralliving.
HerconnectiontoMancamissostrongthatonecanalmostgaugehermoodbyhow longshe’sbeenaway.FivedaysinJohannesburgoftenfeelslikealifetimetoher,and shecarriestheweightoflongingonhershoulders.Watchinghereagerlyrushback homeisbothendearingandhumorous.It’sasifherspiritbecomeslighter,herjoy morepalpable,theclosershegetstotheplaceshecallshome.
Johannesburg,forallitsbuzzandmodernity,hasneverheldthesamecharmforheras thequietvalleysofMancam.Whileshelovesandcaresdeeplyforallofusasher children,herbeingandselftrulycomealivebackhome.Thereisanoticeableshiftin herdemeanourwhenshereturnstoherroots asenseofrelief,fulfilment,andpeace thatJohannesburgcouldneverprovide.
Herlifeisatestamenttothestrengthoffamiliallove,theimportanceofcommunity, andthebeautyofstayingtruetoone’sroots.Mrs.Holomisaremindsusallof thesimplejoysinlife:thetouchofthesoil,thesoundoflivestock,andthe warmthofahomefilledwithloveandpurpose.
ATributetoMyBelovedMother-in-Law,Svoti
IhavesomanybeautifulmemoriesofSvoti!OneofmyfavouritememoriesiswhenIhadonlybeenmarriedafewdaysbeforeshetookmeoutsideontotheverandahand pointedtowardthegarden.Withaquiet,knowinggaze,shedirectedmyattentiontowherethefamilygravesweresituated."Mbasane,"shesaid,hervoicetenderyet firm,"liesthere.Oneday,Iwilllienexttohim.Bhutiwillbelaidtorestbesideme,followedbyhiswife.Masakanewillbethere,andwhenyourtimecomes,youwillrest besidehim."Atthatmoment,aprofoundstillnesssettledwithinme.EvenasIwasjustbeginningmyjourneyofmarriage,Svotimademeconfronttheinevitableend, remindingmetobeginwiththeendinmind.Svotiisawomanofpurpose,single-mindedinheractions,andtenaciousineverythingshedoes.
AnothermemorythatstandsoutiswhenIperformedIsachole.Partoftheceremonyinvolvesaplayfulreversalofroles,wherethemothers-in-lawservetheirdaughtersin-law.Svoti,withgraceandwarmth,servedmefoodanddrinks,andthen,withsuchjoyandabandon,shedanced"xhentsa"–herspiritfreeandradiant.Icanstillsee herinmymind’seye,herlaughterandenergyfillingtheroom!Svoti'sjoyisinfectious,andshehasawayofmakingeverymomentfeelalivewithfunandcelebration.
Thankyou,Svoti,forlovingmeandacceptingmeasyourown.Thankyouforbeingmyprotector,alwaysshieldingmefromthechallengesandharshrealitiesofumendo. Yourstrength,yourwarmth,andyourgracehavebeenaconstantsourceofcomfort.
MayGodcontinuetoblessandkeepyou,Ntsweleba!
One thing I admire about uMkhwekazi wam, uMam Novotile, is her childlike spirit and her joy in celebrating life's milestones, such as her birthdays. This vibrant approach sets her apart from her peers, who often forget these milestones. As we approach her 80th birthday celebration in a few weeks, I am almost certain that her heart will already be envisioning the preparations for her 90th birthday in nine years. Happy birthday Mkhwekazi wam!
With much love from oGabhisa
Bongi
I view Mama as a strong and resilient woman who raised, protected and educated her children and grandchildren. A farmer who feeds her family and community and still keeps encouraging people to farm and grow organic food from their Gardens.
A true reflection of Mama’s values you even see it through her children how humble they are which portrays a good upbringing in a family structure. Her few words and more action and doing it yourself approach stand out for me. When I first visited Mancam to collect Smonds from her visit, Mama asked how she was travelling and her response was she had a Driver collecting her so from that day I became ‘Driver’ to Mama
Talk about a long-lasting stand-out moment!
Vukani
Lovie,
Ifeelprivilegedtolookbackon37yearsofmemorieswithyou.ItfeelslikeIhavebeenbothyourchildand grandchildinthattime(mostlygrandchildbecauseIdon’trememberevergettingahiding).Ihavesomany thingsthatIcanwriteabout,sohereitgoes.
TheVan/car
Ihavemanymemoriesofusinthecar.Whetheritwasgoingtoschool(betternotbelate),town,CoffeeBay orMthatha,wealwaysseemedtobegoingsomewhere,andyouweredriving.Iwillalwaysrememberasking youtoovertakeeveryone,probablybecauseofmylackofpatienceintrafficormydesiretocomefirst.Thank youforalwaysmakingtheefforttoovertaketheothercars.Later,itwouldbemefetchingyoufromthe airportwhenIstarteddriving.Imustbragthatyoutrustedmydrivingabovemanyotherfamilymembers andthatmademehappy.
School
Ithinkdeepdown,weallwantedtodowellsothatwecouldimpressyou.Iknowwhathappenedtokids whodidn’tlisteninyourclassroom,sothatwasneveranoption.Ienjoyedcomingtoseeyouteach.
Theholidays
MyothermemoriesrevolvearoundChristmasandtheholidays.Itisatestamenttoyou,thatallyour children,grandchildrenandnowgreat-grandchildrenlovetocomehomefortheholidays.Whenwearenot there,somestillbuynewoutfitsorChoiceAssortedbiscuitsbecausethatiswhatyoualwaysdid.Forme,I justlovedcomingbackfromJoburgfortheschoolholidaystocontinuewhereweleftofftheholidaybefore.
WhenIlookback,oneofthethingsthatsurprisesmethemostisthatyounolongerdrinktea.Formany yearswespentcountlesshoursarguingwitheachotheraboutwhoseturnitwastomaketeaorwashdishes. Wejustknewthatwhenthevanpulledup,whateverwewereplayinghadtostopandsomeonehadtomake tea.Youwouldcomeinandwithoutmissingabeat,askforyourteaandthenproceedtoshoutatusforall thethingswedidn’tdowhileyouwereintown.
NowthatI’molder,IappreciatehowmuchyouenjoycomingtocelebrateourmilestoneswithusinJoburg, andhowthatisquicklyfollowedbyyourmissinghome.Iloveseeingyouinyourgarden,notquitewhatI hadinmindwhenyouwereretiring.Ilovethefactthatmychildrengettospendtimewithyouand experienceyourwonderfulsenseofhumour.Weareallsoluckytohaveyou!
Happy80thBirthday,Lovie!Here’stomanymorememoriesforustocherishforever.
Allmylove,Sncesh
Dear Makhulu,
Happy Birthday Lovie! Thank you for babysitting me during my half terms, going to school with you and watching you teach was always a highlight. Your big heart has always been on your sleeve from all the children and grandchildren you ’ ve managed to accumulate outside of your bloodline. After half-terms, it’s been a time seeing your garden when we come home for some Christmases and Easters. When I’m not travelling to you my fondest memories are of us travelling together, I can’t think of a New Year's that didn’t end near the beach and our drives to Coffee Bay, East London and staying at Hemmingways! Learned the beauty of a quick short left! Mauritius was with your cocktails and days spent lounging at the beach were amazing. Life is so fun to do with you! Have the best birthday and wish you many many more!
Love, Lolly
I love my grandma in her entirety. I can’t imagine my life without her because I’ve been lucky enough never to have to experience her absence. Even when she’s not around, she’s sending memes in the family group chat or accidentally butt-dialing me. When she is around, she’s silently observing the family she’s nurtured and admiring us all in her corner, and when she graces us with her thoughts, she makes everyone laugh. Mama is our matriarch. She has shown me that women are everything and although sometimes one doesn’t want to be strong, when faced with the knowledge of everything she’s been through it’s impossible not to realise that we are capable of anything and everything. She is strength personified and I pray and hope that her 80s are years of softness, serenity and calm joy.
Mama is the root of the family that keeps us all grounded. As someone who sometimes feels a bit lost, because of uMama, I know that I have a home and it is Mancam but it’s not about the location. It’s about the memories she has made for me and my cousins there. It’s about the values she instilled in me during my school holidays and the safety of routines. Mama has a way of doing things and breeds a feeling of security because there’s no unpredictability. She wakes up, has breakfast, and tends to her true loves in life her chickens and her garden.
She reminds me of a Japanese term, ⽣きがい which translates to Ikigai (purpose in life). Ikigai encourages us all to stay active; take it slow; reconnect with nature and give thanks amongst other practises. And that’s what uMama does, she is a reminder that life is about the simple things and appreciating what is in one ’ s orbit. When I’m her age, I hope to have a garden as beautiful as hers and to be as loved and adored as she is.
Mama is a woman of few words but her wisdom is boundless. I will forever cherish moments when she would force-feed Bhenqe, Mazola and me castor oil after we ate too many sweets or trips to Coffee Bay at the back of her bakkie, her particular way of taking tea when she used to be obsessed with it or her making me delicious strawberry flavoured milkshakes to gain weight because I was a skinny primary school kid. I spent most of my New Year's celebrations with her, Bhenqe and Mazola in East London and on the 31st of every December we’d go to the beach and wash away the past year and create a clean slate for the new year. That is something I still do. Our latest banter involves when I’m going to be introducing her to my future partner who according to her will be someone of European or Asian descent.
Mama is brilliant, I’m so grateful to have a grandmother of such wit, integrity and dependability. Without her, my amazing mother and her siblings wouldn’t exist, and my cousins and our siblings wouldn't either, without her we are nothing and I hope that as a collective we work to better show the Queen in our lives what an incredible human being she is. Happy 80th birthday mama, I love you endlessly! Thank you for you!
Love Sese
Makhulu,
You are my favourite makhulu out of all my makhulu’s (no offence to the others). what I love most about you is how discreet you are. Every time I go to a family event I always leave with an extra R210. The R10 is from Uncle Mandla because he's not really good at winning his own bets. I don't have 1 specific memory but I do have a couple because of her. The large family she has created. Without her and God none of us would exist and we wouldn't be celebrating her 80th birthday. I love you so much makhulu and thank you for being the best grandma and grandchild could ask for.
Love,Likho
I remember this day very vividly. It was my first day back in Mancam after seven years. Makhulu had a unique way of making me feel at home. She took me to the chicken kennels and showed me how she cared for them, explaining the different equipment she used and its purposes. I could see the love and care she poured into it.
I also learned a lot from her. Watching her dedication to everything she did made it all seem perfect. That lesson stayed with me I learned that when you give your all to something, it can truly flourish. I hope that one day I can show as much dedication to the things I work on as she does.
Happy birthday Makhulu, I hope you have the best birthday party. I like spending time with you and I love you ������❤
I love makhulu because:
1. She is kind
2. She loves daddy
3. She allows me to come every December Love,
Zonke
Mama,
Today I celebrate your life and everything you have been to me. For the longest time, I thought you were my mother, and I believed my mom was just uMakazi. Even to this day, I can’t call my mother “Mama” because nguwe uMama. You have always been my Mama, and in my heart, you always will be.
When uMakazi eventually found her feet and wanted to take me, you asked for one more year with me. I believe you weren’t ready to let go, and honestly, I’m grateful for that. That extra time with you gave me more love, lessons, and memories to carry with me throughout my life.
You are one of the strongest women I know not because you ’ re my grandmother, but because it is the truth. Your strength has been a guiding light in my life. You taught me about survival, about resilience, and about working hard for what I want. I remember when we had to sell vegetables from our garden. At the time, it felt like the hardest thing in the world, and I hated it. But now, I see the wisdom in what you were teaching us. You showed me that as long as I have the ability to work and the determination to do something for myself, I will never go to bed hungry. That lesson is one of the greatest gifts you ’ ve given me, and I carry it with me every single day.
I’ll never forget the times we worked in the spaza shop. Mazoe and I would take turns being on duty, and you taught us about responsibility and how to handle money. But, of course, there was also that one time when we got into trouble. You went to clean the shop and found chip wrappers the evidence of our mischief. I’ll never forget how you threatened to punish us ngothi sizolala kulamkhukhu unenyosi. We were so scared, we cried and begged for forgiveness. That moment taught me not just about honesty, but about respecting what isn’t ours and the importance of doing the right thing.
You have been my foundation, my teacher, and my greatest example of what it means to be strong and selfless. You’ve shown me that no matter how hard life gets, with hard work and determination, we can overcome anything. I celebrate you today because you are not just my grandmother you are my Mama, my hero, and the woman who has shaped my life in ways I can never fully express.
Thank you for your love, your strength, and your sacrifices. I am who I am today because of you, and I will forever be grateful.
Love Bhenqe
What I love most about my grandmother is how welcoming and caring she is to everyone she comes across, which is very inspiring. I remember giving my grandmother a DIY spa day at home when me and my sister were little. It was so much fun, and Makhulu was so loving and patient with us.
What I love most about my makhulu or my grandmother, is that she never judges a book by its cover. In other words, she has the remarkable ability to make everyone feel loved and welcomed, no matter who they are.
Makhulu had a profound impact on my life the year she wished me a happy birthday when I thought everyone had forgotten especially her. Her thoughtful gesture made me realize how much she truly cares, remembers, and celebrates my special day. That moment is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
MakhuluisthemostlovingpersonIknowsheisalwaysbyyourside whenyouneedhersheisloving,kind,andsmart.Makhulualways usedtoteachmehowtosellvegetablesandcountmoney.Theonly reasonwhyIamgoodatmathisbecauseofMakhulu.Makhuluis thebestgrannyapersoncouldeverhave.Happybirthday,makhulu!
Love, Amahle
WhatIloveaboutmamkhuluisthatshe’sverysweet,verykindand verylovingandshe’salwayskindtomeandshealwayshugsme!!
Happybirthday,mamkhulu!
Love,Ntando
Thank you makhulu for getting me a special gift and for all my presents You’re the best granny ever, I love you very much. Thank you for taking care of us. Thank you for being the best granny ever.
Love,
Love, Qhawe
I love that my grandmother is generous and that she is strong and managed to reach 80 years old. She always has fun at parties and it has taught me to always have fun. Happy birthday makhulu!
Gugulam
I love my grandmother because she gives me presents, she sings Happy Birthday to me and she gives me clothes. And she also gives me money. Happy birthday, makhulu!
Happy80thbirthday,makhulu!
CurtisTyroneJones
EleanorRoosevelt
Gogo,
You are a very funny sweet and kind person. Whenever I visit you you always a chocolate or sweet for me. Your smile can make anyone feel happy. I remember when you gifted me pyjamas for Christmas, they were my favourite pair of pyjamas to wear and I would wear them any chance I could. Coming to Mancan is always fun because I get to see your veggies animals and You! You are the best Great Grandma ever always making sure that everyone is happy.
Happy 80th birthday Gogo
Love, Imi
FriedrichNietzche
Dear Svoti
Teacher. Mother. Baker. Gardener, People’s Champion – all the words that evoke your spirit and describe your being in my mind. These words make me smile when I think of you.
Teacher - you taught me and your own children the value of life. You taught us the value of investing in education and knowledge. For this I thank you.
Mother - you raised your family in challenging times. You loved (and never shouted at me) and I felt like one of your own. For this I thank you.
Baker - you baked the most delicious, hot bread and saved a slice just for me. At the end you made sure I had my very own potjie, so that I could bake my very own loaf. For this I thank you.
Gardener – you cultivated your own fruit and vegetables and taught me the value of subsistence living and enjoying your surroundings. For this I thank you.
People’s Champion – you are of the people and for the people. You are my role model. For this I thank you.
Now as you celebrate your 80th year of life, I wish you health and happiness in the future.
Many happy returns
Bantu
UMam’omncinc’uNovotile Sivoti Zanecebo Sweleba, iNtombi kaXhanti, is, without a doubt, the epitome of a true matriarch within the Holomisa Royal House of Bazindlovu and beyond. Her offspring, of three generations, starting with Nomfanelo, Phindiwe, Fikile, Vathiswa, Masakhane, Nombeko, Nomthandazo, Nomonde and Nokuzola, are living examples of a nurturing mother. As the teacher that she is, she ensured that all of her children got the education they sought and deserved. None of them can, even secretly, fault her on how she brought them up.
Almost single-handedly, (because her husband Prince Daluxolo spent almost all of her adult life in Johannesburg, breaking his back to raise money for the upkeep of his family) Sivoti took each one of her children by the hand through life, ensuring that they were able to take care of themselves, do household chores, tend the cattle, sheep, goats, fowls, etc, do gardening to grow vegetables. Some can brew mqombothi without difficulty. What I’m not sure about though is whether they continue to employ those skills to produce eggs, chicken and vegetables.
A rounded human being, Sivoti, is at peace in the company of royalty (naturally, her husband is a prince), the clergy, farmers, educationists, the literate and the illiterate. Her dress sense sets her apart when she is in the company of the African and the Europeanised.
Mam’uNodumile and Mam’uNondyebo having passed on not so long ago and both being her seniors in the hierarchy of the Bazindlovu Houses, she has taken like a duck to water in giving leadership to all of us in the five houses. I take pride personally, in the fact that three of my children, were presented by Sivoti in church for their baptism.
I cannot hide the fact that she is openly proud of her achievements (ungade uthi uyaqhayisa), be it the advancement of her children in their careers, the increase in the number of her fowls and their eggs, or the vegetables and maize crops in her garden. None of my wives can accuse her of having failed in motivating each one of them along the path of home-building. Each one has been offered the opportunity to come to Mancam to learn how her magic works.
Adedicatedfarmer,wellknownbyherpeers-menandwomen-sheisamong,thefirstattheonsetoftheploughingseason,tocallonthetractordriversto plough,disc,plantandsprayhervastgarden,whichhasneverlackedintheproductionofevergreenvegetables.
IampersonallyproudofherandIknowsheknowsit.
MaysheenjoythefruitsofherlifelonglaboursuntilthetwilightofherGod-givenyears.
Ah!Zanecebo
HAPPYBIRTHDAY,Sweleba,Singo,Ndzopha,Nxabela,Yhanibo,Makhatsini,Gqagqane,Mandaluhlwini,Menyweni!
Sheplayedtheroleofbeingamother-in-law,notasister-in-law.WhenIarrivedhereatMqanduliIknewnothingaboutthetraditionaleventsandcustomsof Mqanduli.Kulaphondafumanakhonaukubawenzanjanixakuqatywaumntwana,kusoluswaetc.Unxibanjaniandubehaviournjanionthesedifferentoccasions.Neengoma ezivunywayoduringinitiationceremonies.NgokundigroomerkwezizintoIwasneveradisgrace.Anotherthingnaxakuzokucelwaintombi,nokwendiswakwayoizinto ezenziwayondazifundakuye.
Duringbadtimeswenzaintongathiyeyakheengafunimbuyekezo.UxolelaukubakufaileeyakheintonokubaIimportantkangakanani.Sosympathetic.Ifyougoastray uyakulungisa
Personality-wise,ungakhathazekaxaungamqhelangaorungamunderstandi.Ngokwenzanjalouyakomeleza.Byimpartingherknowledgengendlelaenzangayo izinto,ukufundisaukubanaweukwaziukuzenzelaizintongokwakhongomso.
Asifanisingabantuekuhlaleni.Unesiphiwosokunikelakwabobantubangathathintweni.XaumntuongathathiuyakwaziukunikelangezintouThixoamphezonalike ivege,umbona,amathanga,iinkunietc.Ngexeshaawayenqanyukelwangumsebenziuthiwayehambanaboamalimaokuhlakula.Ethezanokuthezaengabajongelangaphantsi abantuowayephilanabo.
Okoumntuakwenzelaabanyeabantunesizweuhlalanakounaphakade.
Akadinwangumntu.Herjokesandactionsukuthiyaabantuamagama, xasikwifamilygatheringszisonwabisakakhulu.Sihlekaokoibengaskesingohlukani. Mgebekazi.UyakwenelakokondikunikeKona.Mhlaumbikwakubakhonaokuncinanaoyakubhaqa.
Ithankyou. Mamnci
Usis Novotile udlale indima entle ebomin bam ngokundifundisa
ngendima edlalwe yokuba ngumama ekhayeni- Eyokuqamela
ngelizwi likaThixo nokumthemba . Neziphumo zokukholelwa ku
kristu iziqhamo neziphumo kubantwana bakhe . Ukubaluleka
kokulima nokuzimisela ifundile necommunity kuye . Ukumela inyaniso sesinye sezixhobo azisebenzisieyo ebomini bakhe xa Imbi
Imbi xa intle intle kuye . Ebhayibhileni kuthiwa yiya embovanini
Vila ndini yona izilungiselela ukutya kwangexesha . Utya ukubila
kwebunzi lakhe . Nangona emdala ede wafikelela kuleminyaka
imaShumi asibhozo soze ufike elele ufika exakekile egadini . Ndiquqile ukuya kwakhe ndyokuthenga imbewu yamazambane
eludidi oluphezulu ayivelise ngezandla zakhe . Kanti namantshontsho enkukhu ndiwathengile kuye azintlobo ngentlobo eziludidi oluphezulu. Ndiyabulela Sivoti Masweleba UThixo akuphe eminye iminyaka yokuphila uqhubeke nemfundiso zakho.
MamakaZinzi
Novotile is my role model in being a strong woman in many ways. Caring and loving especially for the family and people around you. She’s a woman of strength who knows and gets what she wants, a lady of note. How she dresses speaks wears a smile when she's happy
She has a positive impact in the community, giving to the needy love for all regardless of their backgrounds.
Ungumntu onamabhongo ngomzi wakhe ngabantwana nefamily yake especially Amagebe also showing respect emzini wake ingakumbi ngendlela anxiba ngayo(ngumntu wamajerumani nemibhaco)
Auntie
Mrs Novotile Holomisa has been my mother to me since an early age. Before she gave birth to her firstborn, I stayed with her as her firstborn. I started school at Mancam school since I was staying with her. I only went to stay with my parents after she gave birth to Nomfalelo and she again took my late sister Bulelwa to stay with her. I didn't know that she was not my mother at the time until I returned to my Parents at Ngcanasini in early 70, but the bond between us will never fade. Svoti is a lady, she doesn't just wear anything. Always on point. Svoti loves her children including me (Noxolo) and always has something to do.
Svoti is a teacher by profession and even now she teaches the community how to use their land. Her big garden is always full of vegetables and mielies and always hands on to that. She even organizes imbewu nezithole for the community so that they can have their own veg from their gardens. They even attended completions showing off their veg and mielies, in those completions they came back with trophies etc. Some of the community members didn't know Bed and Breakfasts/ Hotels but through her teaching now they have been sleeping in them when going to the competitions.
Svoti is the only Makazi we have and Uncle Gwebityala that are still alive out of 12 children of Thisiwe and Xhanti Ntelani.
My mother died in her 50’s but Svoti has closed that gap as my mother. Whatever I am doing at Qtn if I phone her she is always there as my mother. Kukubi kumnandi umakazi is my pillar of strength.
God gave Svoti unconditional love, and kindness and is always willing to help. Svoti is really my mother, when I attend something at Mancam I know that I will sleep on her bed with her vice visor at Qtn she sleeps on my bed.
At her age ebemelba akasa drive motor but Svoti yimbokodo because she is driving herself feeding her chickens, and looking after everything in her yard.
Ndingathetha litshone ngoMakazi kuba uyabathanda abantu and apho akhoyo ufuna konwatywe kuhlekwe.
Thank you, Noxolo
Udadobawo!
Where do I start?
She loved my father, her little brother.
One thing that stands out kum was when there was umsebenzi ekhaya khulu, kwa tat’uXhanti no Norhem (kowabo). People had wishes about winning the lottery and all. She said “I wish for my children to pass at school” I was like wow!! That was so selfless and a priority to your children while others thinking about themselves.
Dadobawo is such a fun person! So much fun when she is around. Joking and all.
Such a lovable soul that I saw someone who is not even a relative having her as a screen saver. When I asked, she said “yho! Ndiyamthanda lomama kakhulu”
She has always supported my parents, my mother always and love her for that.
Love you Nxabela, Ndzopha, Gqagqane
UMYALEZO OYA KUDADOBAWO WAM U MRS HOLOMISA
Kum ungudadobawo, utata wam ungumntwana wesihlanu emva kwakhe. Sekushiye yena kuphela koodadobawo bam.
INDIMA AYIDLALILEYO KUM
Udabs uyinto yonke kum. Xa kunzima kubuhlungu izinto zingahambi kakuhle ndililela kuye. Akanamazwi maninzi okukuqinisa, kodwa akuthi " kuzakulunga nontombi" uphelele apho kodwa loomazwi ayakhuthaza Kuba akhutshwa ngumntu okhathalayo nonothando.
IZINTO AGQAME NGAZO
Besenditshilo unguntu onothando, obathandayo abantu. Uyayithanda i family yakhe kakhulu. Uyakuthanda kowabo. Apho kukho u Dabs kuyahlekwa, Kuba wenza izinto ezihlekisayo, uyakuthanda ukuqhula, uyakuthanda ukucula. Uyonwabisa. Ngumama omthandayo uThixo nothandazayo lonke ixesha.
NDIFUNDE EZI ZINTO NGO DABS
Udabs undifundise ukuba uThixo uyakuhlala eyintsika ekwakheni i family. Undifundise the importance family unity, importance of support and working together as a family.
Undifundise ukubaluleka kwekhaya nokuba ungalilibali ikhaya lakho.
Unga ungalonwabela usuku lwakho lokuzalwa. Ukhule ukhokhobe, sisawadinga loomava wakho. Akungcine uBawo akusikelele, akugcine usempilweni, akuphe amandla.
Happy birthday Dabs wam omhle MaNzopha, Sweleba, Gqagqane, uhlale usazi ukuba uyathandwa ndim.
Zukiswa
I met uMkhozi Dec 2016 when uVukani noNomonde tied the knot. We didn't spend much time at the wedding but got to meet again at Asante's baptismal.
I've since learned that she's a warm person, iqhula, a strong and hardworking woman.
We've shared moments about life & milestones zabazukulwana, side sibizana Mzala okanye Nontombi.
I'm inspired by her dedication and fearless character. Through it all, she stood firm kwezo challenges zobomi, wakhulisa abantwana. Ngoba kaloku uThixo akakuniki umthwalo ongenawuthwala, wamvuza ngabantwana abaphumeleleyo.
Ungumntu oxakekileyo ke, oko. Usegadini - morning & afternoon because of her love for farming which is admirable.
Congratulations on your 80th birthday Mkhozi wam. May God show you grace and favour in abundance. May good health be your portion, uhlale usikelelekile.
Love always,
uMama has provided a home that was warm, welcoming, and filled with love a space where we, as kids, could play, laugh, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
What stands out for us about Mama’s personality and values is her kindness and the abundant love that she has and holds.
She is a formidable force, unwavering in her determination and strength, always striving for the best not only for her children but for generations to come a truly inspiring legacy of love and resilience.
Love, Ncinci&Sunshine
