BlackBoldVoice

I haven’t forgotten my roots

Ewe, ndithe I haven’t forgotten my roots.

I see you staring at me with discontent tat’omkhulu

I see you staring at me with concern ma’khulu

I want you to know that I know my mother

But I was denied by my father.

I know about the warriors that came before my mother

Ndilipondo mna

Ndiyayazi imvelaphi yam.

My stems are rooted in the Transkei

Beyond the Kei river

Kwilali zaseNqgeleni

Ask me about my forefathers

And I will tell you.

My grandfather educated his children

To teach us about our rich history

I understand that our legacy runs deep in my veins

I cannot deny my blackness

And I want you to know that I do not yearn to be white

I see you mocking the youth of today tat’omkhulu

I see you pointing at us ma’khulu

We have become products of the media I agree

But we embrace our heritage

I wrap my doek with pride

Because I know that it is a part of my culture

Ndiyakwazi ukucola cola iinkuni

Ndibase umlilo

I have had to carry a bucket full of water on my head

On numerous occasions

I do not complain when I am assigned to a chore

Because I know my duties as a young woman

I do not want you to worry tat’omkhulu

Nothing will be lost while our teachings are alive ma’khula

Our language will not became extinct in a solution for communication barriers

And our traditions will not be altered by western influences

Because we will continue to pass on the legacy.

-Andisiwe Mtengwane

Picture Credits: Scott Kelly