01

THINGOLUHLE MTHETHWA 

 

Dad: Thingo, you must understand, this is for your own good. The protection and benefits the mafia can offer are beyond anything you could imagine. 

 

Thingo: Dad, you know as well as I do that the mafia is a dangerous world. It’s a world of violence and corruption. How can you ask me to marry into that? 

 

Dad : We all must make sacrifices for our family. And as the head of this family, it is my responsibility to ensure its safety and prosperity. 

 

Thingo: But what about my safety? 

Dad : You will be under the protection of your husband. And trust me, this boy is not the monster you think he is. He’s a good man, strong and loyal. He will take care of you. 

 

Thingo :I don’t want to be taken care of, Dad! I want to be my own person. I want to live my own life. 

 

Dad : Your own life? What kind of life do you think you’ll have if you refuse this offer? You’ll be an outcast. 

Thingo: I’d rather be an outcast than be married to a criminal. You can’t force me into this. 

 

Dad: I don’t want to force you, Thingo. But I’m afraid you leave me no choice. It’s either this, or you’re on your own. 

Thingo: Then I choose to be on my own. I can’t be part of this, Dad. I’m sorry. 

 

Dad (shouting): Thingo, stop! You can’t just leave! 

Thingo (shouting back) :Watch me! 

l tore through my room, yanking clothes from hangers and stuffing them into a suitcase. l grabbed my staff from the closet.  l zipped up my suitcase, l could hear my father’s heavy footsteps coming up the stairs, his voice growing louder with anger. 

Dad: You will not do this to your family! You will not disgrace us like this! 

Thingo : I’m not the one who’s disgracing our family, Dad. You are! 

l zipped up my bag and slung it over my shoulder. l took one last look around my room, trying to commit it to memory. As l descended the stairs, my father stood in her way, blocking the front door. 

 

Dad: You will not leave this house. 

Thingo : Dad, please. Don’t make this any harder than it already is. 

Dad :You’re a disgrace to your family. If you leave now, you will never be welcome here again. 

My heart ached as l heard those words, but l knew there was no turning back. l knew l have to follow my own path. mother rushed into the room, her face streaked with tears. 

Mom : Thingo mntwanam , please, you can’t leave us. Your father is right—you’ll be alone out there. 

Thingo (turning to her mother) : Mama , I’m sorry. But I have to do this. You raised me to be strong and independent. Well, this is me being strong. 

mother’s eyes welled with tears, but she nodded, and gave me a long, tight hug. 

Mom (crying): Promise me you’ll be careful out there. 

 

Thingo : I promise, Mama. I’ll make you proud. 

father stood by the door, watching the scene with a mix of anger and sadness. 

Dad : If you walk out that door, Thingo, don’t expect us to be waiting for you when you come back. 

l pause, feeling a lump rise in my throat. 

Thingo(choking back tears): I’m not expecting anything from you, Dad. I’m doing what I need to do. 

 

father looks at me with a look of cold disappointment, and steps aside to let me pass.  l walk out the door feeling the weight of my family’s disapproval, but l also feel a rush of excitement. Outside, the sun was setting, painting the sky with streaks of pink and orange. Guess this is it.... l , Thingoluhle going against my father's wishes .