The016 Feb/March issue 2021

EDITOR’S NOTE Happy month of love!

As this is our fist issue of the year, we are happy to have you back with us.

February is all about celebrating love. What better way to do that than to celebrate women who are killing the entrepreneurial game. Our theme for this issue is “Women in power”. We feature three phenomenal powerhouses who are all from the 016.

Thato Immaculate Mokoena is our cover star for this issue. She’s an accountant, a Youtuber, a dancer and an actress only to name a few. She tells us all about how she juggles such a busy life while giving us tips on how we can start our own YouTube channels.

We get to read about Mphonyana Smiles Mosikili. He is a self-taught Vaal based photographer.

We take a closer look at an initiative

by Onke Sitwayi and Aphendule Pakade. They have embarked on a 27 day walk to raise funds to build a school in the Xhora village in the Eastern Cape.

May you learn as much as we did.

To telling authentic Vaal stories.

Happy reading.

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CONTENTS FEATURES

ISSUE 11

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ON THE COVER

CREATIVE OF THE MONTH MPHONYANA SMILES MOSIKILI

PHOTOGRAPHY FEATUREWE TAKE YOU THROUGH A SHOOT BY THABANG MOKHELE AND NDLALIFA MQWATHI

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THATO IMMACULATE MOKOENA

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ANALYSIS DIPUO MOFOKENG GIVES US HER ANALYSIS ON WHAT WOMEN GO THROUGH VIA HER EXPERIENCES.

+COVER PICTURE WAS TAKEN BY SIZWE MAHLAHA

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Dinsthang?

EVENTS

A brief rundown of events that recently took place in the Vaal.

UHURU APP

Modisana Diego Ralesai launched an app called Uhuru TV . The app is packed with local content ranging from DJ mixes to interviews with local creatives. The app gives local talent a platform to shine.

Follow Modisana Diego Ralesai on Facebook and download the app.

LEMRICHO EP RELEASE LeMricho Bikitsha is going to be releasing an EP titled Zizi. The title is one of his clan names.This is his 3rd EP and he calls it his best work so far. +LeMricho Bikitsha on the socilas.

LEQHWA KABO KGOPO Evaton based rapper Leqhwa Kabo Kgopo is going to be releasing his first EP next month titled “I’m a Champion EP”.

Make sure to be on the lookout for the release. + Leqhwa Kabo Kgopo on the social streets.

KAMOHELO ALBUM RELEASE

Kamohelo Moloto recently released his album. The album is titled “Coalitio” and has 12 songs. It features BBQ OT, Drck Black and Laud to name a few. +Kamohelo Moloto on the socials.

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FEATURE

CREATIVE OF THE MONTH This month’s creative is self-taught photographer and videographer Mphonyana “Smiles” Mosikili. In his time in the industry, he’s engaged with all kinds of photographs on different fields and picked up on skills from each to improve his photography skills.

“I picked up a camera only just over a year ago and it’s incredible that what was once a hobby has turned into a passion.” Mosikili says.

I’ve worked with brands, artists and companies such as iTrend Events, Lifestyle, PCI - Pule Communication International (PTY) Ltd and Andrew Basson Photography. Artists include: -ZedEye, GodZeus, Dopeman Savvy and London Suicide.

The following pictures represent how Smiles understands our theme “Women in power”.

Mphonyana, we celebrate you this month. Keep shining.

Socials: Twitter- @Mphonyana Mosikili (@5miles_) FacebookMphonyana Mosikili Instagram@5miles_photography / personal account @mphonyana_mosikili

“The advice I can give to aspiring photographers is paint your own vision.

As crazy as it is, do it. No one understands your vision like you do, keep it pure and true to you and you’ll see your growth.”

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Model- Ndlalifa Mqwathi Photographer- Samuel Mokhele

PHOTOGRAPHY

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COVER STORY

Thato shot by @jdart_24 Make up by @lesa_moloto 14 | THE016 FEB/MARCH 2021

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AN ENTERTAINER IN HER OWN LEAGUE.

hato immaculate Mokoena is a young creative born and bred in Meyerton. She has taken the Vaal by storm with her videos. She’s either dancing, being featured in national TV ads or she’s leaving us in stiches on her skits. She’s an accountant during weekdays and her weekends are spent shooting content for her social media platforms. This is her story.

video that will take an additional hour to edit.

It is however the most fulfilling thing because I sit down and I am just myself…so that’s how I create my content I speak about and film all the things that I love and I am passionate about with a dash of humour and a lot of my crazy personality.

Meeting other creatives?

For many years this was my excuse, there are not enough opportunities in the Vaal like theaters, talent agencies and even access to the entertainment industry because the entertainment industry is in Joburg. However, for the past year I saw this as an opportunity rather than a set-back, it means we have the power to create our own Our theme for this issue industry and platforms, is “Women in power”. there are no gatekeepWhat would you say is ers which is great. All you your power? need to do is take out What is it like balancIt’s going to sound cliyour phone and create ing your profession and ché but I always say that because the power is your personal life? Do your biggest power is now in what you create you ever feel the need that you are you. No one rather than where you to choose one over the has ever seen a person are from thanks to social other? exactly like you. You are media. Anyone can go It’s extremely difficult to the first and only of your viral; anyone can be balance the two. One kind and that is powerseen and anyone can often has to be comful. Now add the fact create their own platpromised in place of the that you are a woman, a form all you need to do is other , so what I try to do nurturer, a life-giver and create good content. is to stick to strict deada pillar for society? Absolines and schedules so for lutely special! example on weekdays I will work an extra 2 hours How do you think your so that I can have time talent has impacted the on a Saturday to myself Vaal? and attend to my perI think that the only imsonal life without deadpact my talent has had lines looming in the back. is to show everyone from the Vaal that you can do Tell us about your Youabsolutely anything you Tube channel. What’s it put your mind to, you like being a YouTuber? don’t need fancy equipHow do you come up ment and props just work with content? with what you have and The name of my Yousooner or later someone Tube channel is Thato will notice.

Immaculate and I just hit 1k subscribers! Being a Does being based in the YouTuber is a lot of fun Vaal limit you in any way but also a lot of work in terms of expressing you can film for 2 hours your creativity? for a 10 minute YouTube

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What’s the importance of collaboration in the Vaal creative industry?

Extremely important, crucial!

Collaboration in any industry is vital , it exposes you to a market that you never would have been exposed to on your own and like the word of God says “Two hands are better than one because they have a good return for their labour”. There is power in numbers and the more people you can collaborate with the better for both of you.

You are an open person on social media. What’s the one thing no one knows about you?

Quite a lot of things (laughs) I don’t really express my inner most feelings I would rather discuss what happened to me and not really delve into how I feel about it, so I guess that , that’s what people don’t know about me I am extremely guarded with my emotions. Something a little light-hearted is that I speak Afrikaans fluently because I went to an Afrikaans high school.

How has Covid affected you?

COVID has been tough and for the most part scary. My mother and grandmother tested positive for COVID and that was emotionally taxing. It has also affected my finances because besides being an accountant I am also an event MC and dancer and due to lockdown regulations events and 16 | THE016 FEB/MARCH 2021

shows were cancelled and it has been extremely tough.

However on the positive side I have been able to create way more content and that has been a blessing in disguise because due to the content I created I landed an Outsurance Ad which was amazing.

What kind of child were you?

Loud, energetic, confident, a class-clown and extremely active because I was an athlete, netball player and hockey player. I was also a nerd because I always received academic excellence awards and certificates throughout primary school and high school.

Tell us about the team that helps your brand. Who are they and what are their roles?

My team is people that I have collaborated with where our main goal is to help each other grow and I am truly grateful for them wouldn’t be here without them. They consist of Sebo Marobela, the owner of Caraci Clothing is who is passionate about African design and African prints, so whenever I need to look really good I call him up and he delivers i.e this top on the cover. I work with Sizwe Mahlaha who is an amazing D.O.P he shoots for the Cup of T talk show and ensures that my vision comes to life and then I work with him on his projects as an actress and model, we also recently started producing really

funny comedy skits. I work with Reuben Motsepe as well who is also a D.O.P for the Cup of T talk show the episode with Maps Cressking was shot by him and Sizwe and was edited by him. I recently started working with Jean-Jacques from “JD Art” who takes great photos and amazing dance videos of me. They are not just a team they are my family and I would mountains for them and they would do the same for me, I thank God for them every day. The most important people on team are my mom and dad, bless their hearts, they are there to support every step of the way.

What piece if advice would you give to aspiring YouTubers?

Just do it! Just go for it, be yourself all the way through it’s about YOU it’s in the name “YOUtube”. Don’t stress about equipment, ring lights and mics just start , if you give people something great they will tune in every time you post and be consistent don’t give up, persevere.

Soaicls: YouTube: Thato Immaculate Twitter- @callherthato Facebook- Page nameThato Immaculate Mokoena Instagram- @callherthato

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FEATURE

The mutlifaceted beauty Nkosazana Ramahali-Kumalo is a dynamic and multifaceted creative.

She is hardworking, determined and honest to the core. She is the owner of BraidsbyNKR which she started 6 years ago. She has come a long way in her entrepreneurial journey. This is her story

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ell us a little more about your business.

BraidedbyNKR is a braids based business that I started actually about 6 years ago I just didn’t charge people for the hairstyles back then.

I only started becoming serious with the business in 2019, and I must say I’ve come a long way and I’m not even half way to where I want to be yet. I still want to grow a lot in this hair business and definitely get more clientele.

When and how did the idea for your business come about?

The idea to actually drive my talent to an actual business came in 2018/2019 when I needed a steady stream of income on my terms. I knew I needed to rely on something I was already great at and that so happened to be braiding that I started in boarding school. I started learning how to create different styles of braids on my own head and close friends first before I had enough confidence to start charging people for my services.

What have been some oyour challenges and how did you overcome them?

The main challenge I faced and still face is learning new hairstyle in

the time needed while they’re still relevant. It’s been an interesting challenge actually because of trends constantly changes.

It keeps you on your toes and it’s a constant reminder that you can’t fall behind because your customers always want to be trendy.

How do you conceptualize new styles and where do you draw your inspiration?

I do a lot of planning and a lot of research. I spend a lot of my time on YouTube to see how I can better my craft. I would never braid a new hairstyle on someone before trying it on myself first. I draw a lot of inspiration from what is trendy, beautiful and of course what the client wants.

How do you build and maintain a healthy relationship with your clients?

I try to be as efficient as possible and communicate with my clients when I’m doing their hair. I never allow a client to leave without being satisfied and I think this is what makes my clients return, and more than anything I really do try create some sort of communication with my clients so they feel at ease with me doing their hair.

What would you say are the top three traits required to become a successful

business woman?

You need to be resilient, especially in the hair industry because hairstyles keep changing.

Always be willing to learn.

Be good with people.

Have customer service so that customers keep coming back. Make sure you do your job so well that they don’t have space to complain.

What has been your key driving force to becoming a young black woman in business?

I had a very independent mother that taught us about money, saving and all that jazz. She is one of my driving forces. I love doing things myself and having control when it comes to what I do, and starting this business has afforded me the chance to do that. I get a chance to do things on my own terms.

How do you market/advertise your business, and what has been the outcome?

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I market my business mostly on social media. I first tried going the flyer route but realised that people don’t really pay attention to them. I then came up with the idea of promoting my business on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. It was a trend and it made sense because a lot of businesses were making a lot of money from advertising on social media platforms.

The algorithm actually assisted me to promote my service to the specific area I live in, which is the Vaal triangle.

weeks your hair will be fine.

What does being a fearless woman in business mean to you and how do you portray this through your brand?

To me it means being able to fight back all the stereotypes associated with how women in business are. Being able to react to the number of obstacles we face from those who still expect us to act in the same manner of that patriarchal point of thinking. Be able to accept the possibility of failure and finding solutions from my experiences as well as from those who have walked in a similar path. Even in those challenges I have to be able to take myself out of a comfort zone, be able to reinvent myself and the business as well as being humble enough to ask for help if I need it. The mere fact that I started this business without backup or a trust fund honestly means I’m fearless. I took a huge risk in deciding to not work for someone. I witnessed a lot of graduates sitting at home even after getting their qualifications. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint hearted. Me taking that step to start something from the bottom means I’m fearless.

Socials Instagram: @Nkosazana_rk Instagram Business Acc: @braidedbyNKR

How does one take care of their braids?

Taking care of your braids is actually easier than people think. There is also this myth that you can’t wash your hair while it’s braided.

As long as you keep your scalp clean with some leave in conditioner and some water and the occasional hair wash every 2-3 20 | THE016 FEB/MARCH 2021

What is your biggest piece of advice to young women who want to go into business?

The biggest advice I have for women is that, stepping out on your own is not for the faint hearted but you have to keep going because at the end of the day you are your own boss and there is no greater feeling than that.

FEATURE

GIRL BOSS!

Lauren Kok is a goal driven, highly ambitious lover of life who desires to be a source of help to others. She is an online business owner selling NuSkin products, a skincare and wellness business. She is also a mother.

It’s women like Lauren who continue to show us that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. This is Lauren’s story.

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ell us about Nu Skin care.

NuSkin is a skincare and wellness company which is based in USA and operates in 50 different countries around the world. We have health supplements, protein shakes, skincare for men and women and amazing devices that produce unbelievable results! We also have hair products, and makeup, and all these products don’t just claim to do what they say but they actually do! Our angelic range is the best on the market and has been voted the best in the world a few times now and the results speak for themselves.

NuSkin also promotes sustainability by creating less carbon foot print in their production and manufacturing and their heart of giving back makes me extremely proud to say that I’m partnered with them.

When did you go into business and how has the journey been?

I started my business in May 2020. It has been a roller-coaster of highs & lows like in any business venture but I’ve learned so much and continue to do so daily which I absolutely love!

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did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge has been my mind-set. Believing that I am deserving of my goals that I aim to achieve. Another huge challenge since starting my business has been battling postpartum depression and anxiety. Overcoming these challenges I would say I’m still actively working on them daily. Doing mindset training either by reading books, attending webinars, watching/listening to relatable motivational content, talking to friends and family regularly, reading my Bible daily, praying and journaling everyday.

Lastly I remember to count my blessings, and living in gratitude.

package the products with a hand written note. I feel that that personal touch makes my clients appreciated which they all are!

What motivates you?

My lavish taste in things and most recently my child.

What has been your most favourite aspect of being your own boss?

I have 2 the first is time freedom! I love that I have control over when I do what I do and for how long. Everyday can look different for me. The other one is I’m not bound to one work space and I can work anywhere in the world.

How do you build and maintain a healthy relationship with your clients?

I like to check in on my clients to see how the product/s is treating them and if they are enjoying it. I’ll also check in to find out if they don’t mind sharing before and after pictures that I may share on my socials and a product review. Lastly I always offer discounts to my clients and sometimes if I’m able I will personally deliver and

What has been your key driving force to becoming a young black woman in business?

I want to own my own everything and know that I did that for me not someone else. Another driving force is just being independent and a natural born leader What would you say are the top three traits required to become a successful business woman?

Self-discipline, drive/your WHY and consistency

Why is it important for both men and women to invest in good quality skincare products?

Because your skin is the largest organ on our body and our first line of defence to the environment we live in so it’s important to treat it with love and invest with the best skin care you can, after all it is the first thing people see when they look at you.

What does being a fearless woman in business mean to you and how do you portray this through your brand?

It means learning to tap into my power and understanding its magnitude.

Realising how I can be a source of inspiration by being fearless to other men and women who want to do the same and helping women to do that.

What is your biggest piece of advice to young women who want to go into business?

I have a few: Never say no to an opportunity you know nothing about especially when it’s free. Don’t stand in your own way by looking for excuses and everything that could go wrong. Focus on the amazing possibilities and things that could go right.

Be an action taker and

don’t try to do things alone. Team work makes the dream work literally.

Socials: Facebook: Lauren Kok Instagram: fitness_and_ stuff_bylauren

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ANALYSIS

The world through the lens of a young woman.

Dipuo Mofokeng is a journalist based in Orange Farms. She wrote this powerful piece to pay homage to our theme for this issue.

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or a young woman who was born and raised in the Free State, I surely fall short of being anything traditional, submissive and timid. The first of two daughters from my mother’s short-lived marriage to my father-who walked out of the home and the life I knew and started afresh with a new woman, a new family and a new life that didn’t include any of us in it. It hit home that everything I thought was right, the system I thought kept things together, the very core of what I perceived as normal and functional came tumbling down and the rug of normality for me was pulled beneath me. There I was at the age of 7 starting afresh- unlearning and adopting new ways of adapting in a life without a male figure that you were born and taught would forever be your leader, if not as a father then later in life as a husband I began questioning everything as things turned upside down and the veil of a broken home was removed from my eyes. Every day, I observed silently at the changes that redefined society for me took place and my fears of absolute chaos were void as my mother remained intact and whole. My thoughts kept cementing that it is a better possibility because my surroundings were evidently manifesting a solid home without a man. Now my family was led by a woman, the breadwinner just became a woman, the leader in my life just became a woman. Life as I knew it never remained the same thereafter. My principles changed, my values changed, my entire existence changed-was I even living before this revolution happened in my mother’s house?

Shying away from the different situation at home, 24 | THE016 FEB/MARCH 2021

attempting to hide it from the world that was still very much clinging to the cultural and popular man-led households and protecting my family from public scrutiny and the label of broken and single parented only spoke in loud echoing volumes in my actions, in my personal life, socially and academically. My mother had unintentionally built a junior version of herself - a lone warrior within me who wasn’t loud in announcing the failure of her marriage and the challenges of raising her daughters alone but instead ensured that she kept the lights on, the bread on the table and the bills paid. I reintroduced myself to myself just like my mother did unaware. I am a woman and that is my power, I am not beneath anyone, I am not dependant on anyone, I get things done, I alone am still enough, capable. Even unled, unsupervised, without assistance-I am a force worth being reckoned, a leader by right, a phenomenal nurturer”.

This defined me, this described me, this became my truth and I hiding it was futile.

Having lived very closely with her and shared the most intimate life experiences by her side as my source of everything, it enabled me to recognise the true strength of women even though they don’t announce it, they don’t own it as they should instead it’s as though the strength is taboo.Everyone sees it but they don’t acknowledge it as best as they can. What an injustice for us to recognise this immense power in women, the impeccable strength in our mothers and sisters but whisper about it.

What a disgrace that we have benefited from the strength of women in our ancestral lineage yet our applause is reserved and their honour is little to nothing. It is a crime that the law doesn’t find punishable that women possess this much power and keep it themselves,doubting the impact it can bring because someone somewhere,at most times a man said a woman must know her place.Someone somewhere in institutions of faith,in workplaces,in families,in communities- a woman is told not to speak her mind freely,to filter her words, to not be loud about her thoughts,her feelings,her truth regardless of the importance and relevant change it’ll bring to better the situation and rectify the fault.

A woman’s voice isn’t audible enough, a woman’s voice is silenced to the contentment of a patriachal system that still dominates a democratical country that claims is for women In my journalism studies and career I ensured that I took the stories that lecturers and news editors knew no female journalists would take and I reprimanded their concern on whether I’d handle it.”why aren’t you checking up on my male colleagues too?”-I chose the political and taxi feuds that ended up bloody and violent, the taxi accidents that had corpses all over the road with missing parts found miles away and body insides splattered all over the scene. It is shocking that they respect the work you put in as a woman but still prefer a man to do it. Whatever informs society that women are fragile and weak yet women get the things done without complaining will always find me ready to address its ignorance and blatant foolishness. I’ve found that whatever remains male-dominated isn’t because women are less women interested in it but because someone

somewhere still upholds that some responsibilities are just better suited and designed for men-a fault I will take my last breathe fighting against.

It is my personal mission to speak for women that have for so long been made to believe that their opinion is invalid.That they have selected spaces in certain environments of society. That they aren’t equally able to do what men can do.

How dare anyone question the legitimacy of a woman’s point and cite subjectivity and emotion as a woman’s downfall. How dare anyone restrict a woman and say a certain task isn’t suitable for her. Who made those rules and specifications and thought they would stand in 2021? Let no one proudly and boldly say “But a woman can’t…”,that statement is ancient, oppressive and unacceptable.

For as long as I can remember I took it upon myself to advocate for women not because I am one but because I have seen first hand that women are fit and well equipped to lead,to speak,to own, to manage,supervise and delegate anyone anywhere in any dimension and level. Anyone who finds that offensive and uncalled for is insulting and ignorant and serves no purpose in this country’s fight for equality,justice and peace.

The fight to have fair treatment and equal rights among men and women is far from victorious with patriachy still a huge part of our families, a part of our cultures and religions and embedded in generational teachings. With our men still taught that they are heads of families and our women still taught that their duty is to submit. For as long as we swallow what we are fed without digesting its contents and asking the questions that are important to the liberation of women,there remains a huge gap between men and women that endorses entitlement and male priviledge. Everyone has a role to play in making the next generation better,start by not repeating what your grandparents said to you that “a boy child mustn’t”,”a child child must”-let us raise children without making their gender influence our discussions and lessons.Let us raise good human beings that treat each other as equals and not as opposites.

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PRESS RELEASE

A duo embarks on a 27 day walk to raise R1 million to build a pre-school in Elliotdale Onke Vulidobo Sitwayi founder of No One Left Behind non-profit organisation has embarked on a walk with his advocate for change Aphendule Phakade, for 874km from Johannesburg to Mthatha in 27 days to raise awareness and funds of about a R1 million to build a pre-school in the Eastern Cape.

Born in Mthatha and raised in a small village of Xhora, Buccleuch resident Onke felt passionate about seeing children receive foundational education. “I never went to preschool because there was not enough space and facilities for early childhood development to take place”, added Sitwayi. They will walk an average of 50km a day, sleeping in a tent and planting trees along the way The pair believe that empowering future generations begins with happy and healthy children. Starting the walk on the 15th Jan 2021, the day former president Nelson Mandela was released from prison, the number 27 is very significant to the pair and the country as a whole, because of the amount of year former South African president Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. This journey relies on every child having access to quality health care, good nutrition, education and growing up in a safe environment free from violence and the deprivation of basic human rights. Currently, the pair is sponsored

by Isuzu South Africa with an SUV Mu-X car for the trip, Cell C and Huawei also rose to the occasion and donated 2 tablets and some sim cards to keep updated to our stakeholders while on the road. Feral foods sponsored some superfoods to keep their bodies hydrated and filled with nutrition throughout the journey.

Over the last 8 months, children have been further compromised and are at risk of being left behind.

School closures in 2020 have severely impacted South Africans children’s basic right to education and Covid-19 restrictions have exposed problems across the education landscape. This will further compromise the long-term future of our country.

We invasion a world where the youth are taught that rights come with responsibilities, a world where they can walk the earth without the fear of being a statistic. There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.

Residents and other stakeholders are encouraged to support the initiative by pledging funds, their time and resources to reach the financial objective of R1 million and resources to build the pre school.

Email nooneleftbehindnpc@gmail.com or dreamoutloudafrika@gmail.com to find out more about sponsorships and pledges, alternatively follow us on Instagram at @Dreamoutloudsa.

Article by Hlengiwe Lesedi 26 | THE016 FEB/MARCH 2021

STORY CORNER

His Dreams

the car”. Ben was surprised and he looked back and asked, “Me?”

This is a series os short stories written by young women. The aim is to give them a platform to feel free in their writing.

Guards: Sir, we won’t play your games today.

Ben: But guys, do I know you?

One of the guards grabbed him into the car and drove away.

Something surprised Ben: they en lived in a small stopped in front of a big beautihouse with a big famful house. When he got in, they ily. Older sister, older offered him something to drink. brother, little sisters Some maid took his backpack (twins), mom, dad and the last and made him sit. In a minute, born, a little boy. some Chinese lady got in and said, “Hello, my boy”. A Chinese Ben had big dreams. He dreamt man came in and said, “Oh, you of being born into a rich family are back”. Ben became even more by where he could be the only confused. Another maid took his child and where his parents homework and wrote it. Then he could be Chinese. His parents noticed that his birthday wish could not afford anything he came true. He became happy needed. He needed a new school to see his new parents. But the bag, new soccer boots and he problem was that they were alwanted to join the karate team in ways busy. They went to work so his school. He wished his parents early in the morning and came planned a birthday party for him back late at night. He had new since he never had one before. smart school backpack, soccer Neither did his siblings. Ben boots and he also participated did not love his lifestyle and his in karate. One day his parents family. came with a big cake for him.

“Sorry, son, we had forgotten One day when he came back your birthday. You know how from school, he was surprised busy we are, right?” But he never by his family. They bought him a minded that. But after a minute, cake for his birthday. They sang his parents got a call that they and he made a wish. “I wish all are requested at work. They ran my dreams come true”. Then he out without saying anything. blew the candles out and cut the Ben had to celebrate his birthday cake. In the morning, he woke alone. He started to be emotionup and got ready for school. al, he cried. “I want my family Then he went to school. After back. This life is strange for me. hours, the school was out. When I used to go to school with my he headed to the gate, some two friends and came back home big muscled men said, “Get into with them, too. My mom would

By Noluthando Bukani

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give us a kiss when we go and come back from school. I used to do my own homework and my father would have been helping me instead of doing it for me. I miss my siblings so much. We used to watch horror movies in secret while our parents were asleep. Grandma told us stories.

But these parents do not do any of that. They just have to work all the time. They even forgot my birthday. But mom would have woken me up at midnight and sing me happy birthday. I want to go to my home”. He was crying so much that his face was even turning red.

“Wake up, wake up, Ben”. Ben’s mother woke him up. It was Ben’s dream.

Ben: It was a dream. This was a really bad dream. It felt real.

(Breathing loudly) Ben’s Mother: What are you saying, son?

Ben hugged his mother tight.

Ben’s Mom: What happened, Ben? Did you have a bad dream?

Ben: A really bad one, mom.

Ben’s Mom: Sorry, okay.

Ben: I love you, mom.

His mom was surprised because he had never said something like that before. Ben told everyone that he loves them. He learnt a big lesson that day: appreciate your life, some might need it.

THE016 FEB/MARCH 2021 | 27

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28 | THE016 FEB/MARCH 2021