Showing posts with label Sizwe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sizwe. Show all posts
28 February 2012
10 February 2012
A prayer answered
To my beloved Sizwe
Summoned by her supplications so sad
Celestial beings in heavenly spaces
Gathered, they contemplated and conferred
On ways to brighten up her darkened places
In childhood her delightful world upturned
Tumbling through her bruising adolescence
Only Loves nectar could quench her heart parched
Countless prayers receiving no response
But her conclusion was amiss, indeed
Her persistent prayers had ascended
Reached and pierced the heavenly realms. Her need
Pierced God’s heart, around her angels gathered
The Cherubs toiled in a labour of love
And they delivered her bundle of love
10 Feb 2012
© 2 0 12 V u y o k a z i S Y o n k e
Summoned by her supplications so sad
Celestial beings in heavenly spaces
Gathered, they contemplated and conferred
On ways to brighten up her darkened places
In childhood her delightful world upturned
Tumbling through her bruising adolescence
Only Loves nectar could quench her heart parched
Countless prayers receiving no response
But her conclusion was amiss, indeed
Her persistent prayers had ascended
Reached and pierced the heavenly realms. Her need
Pierced God’s heart, around her angels gathered
The Cherubs toiled in a labour of love
And they delivered her bundle of love
10 Feb 2012
© 2 0 12 V u y o k a z i S Y o n k e
06 February 2012
Being...lessons...
Being a male is a matter of birth
Being a man is a matter of age
BUT
Being a gentleman is a matter of choice!
Being a man is a matter of age
BUT
Being a gentleman is a matter of choice!
25 January 2012
gender roles
Gender roles
Recently I have gone through a life altering experience. I have welcomed a new being into my life. During a conversation with a couple of friends we mentioned our childhoods and the ways in which we were raised. I remember my childhood years quite vividly and very fondly, they were amongst the happiest times in my existence. As I recounted my memories to my friends they were utterly aghast at the role my father played in my upbringing. I was equally shocked by their response and disbelief in the reversal of gender roles.
To paint you, reader, a picture of my childhood, I grew up in a kasi during the eighties. It was a time where children played those old school games in the streets until they were red with dust. A period where a mere fifty cents could buy all the snacks your little heart could dream of. Yes, in my home the roles based on gender were contrary to those held by tradition.
My mother worked at the local hospital; she owned and drove a vehicle. My father also owned his vehicle but he had taken an early retirement package from his workplace which meant that he was home, most o the time. My father, as an African man, I believe, was quite ahead of his time. I have fantastic memories of him getting me ready for a day at the day care. I recall him teaching me the Freedom Charter of 1955, and teaching me how to tell time. We would sit together having coffee, I felt all so grown up. To me he was a positive male role model; I do not know how he felt about those times, and the role he played. Culturally, an African man who would play a pivotal role in raising a child in the manner that my father did would be viewed as an emasculated man.
Traditionally, women are the ones expected to rear the children, while the men are away from the homestead. Whilst the men are away, the women are the ones shaping the kind of person the child will become when they are adults. Raising children is one of life’s important and challenging tasks, as that person will have a part in shaping the future. When the men are away from home, they are missing out on quality time with their child. Quality time which they could use to fill the void and to create a balance in the life and the outlook of the child.
On my personal journey, I will be raising a boy child. He will grow up without an emphasis on gender work division, or any gender specific roles. I will do this in the hopes to shape a man who will have respect for gender equality in all aspects of life.
Opposing that cultural and traditional belief, men, particularly African men, should be encouraged to play a more participatory role in raising their offspring, in that way, they imprint a personal stamp on the future adult.
Recently I have gone through a life altering experience. I have welcomed a new being into my life. During a conversation with a couple of friends we mentioned our childhoods and the ways in which we were raised. I remember my childhood years quite vividly and very fondly, they were amongst the happiest times in my existence. As I recounted my memories to my friends they were utterly aghast at the role my father played in my upbringing. I was equally shocked by their response and disbelief in the reversal of gender roles.
To paint you, reader, a picture of my childhood, I grew up in a kasi during the eighties. It was a time where children played those old school games in the streets until they were red with dust. A period where a mere fifty cents could buy all the snacks your little heart could dream of. Yes, in my home the roles based on gender were contrary to those held by tradition.
My mother worked at the local hospital; she owned and drove a vehicle. My father also owned his vehicle but he had taken an early retirement package from his workplace which meant that he was home, most o the time. My father, as an African man, I believe, was quite ahead of his time. I have fantastic memories of him getting me ready for a day at the day care. I recall him teaching me the Freedom Charter of 1955, and teaching me how to tell time. We would sit together having coffee, I felt all so grown up. To me he was a positive male role model; I do not know how he felt about those times, and the role he played. Culturally, an African man who would play a pivotal role in raising a child in the manner that my father did would be viewed as an emasculated man.
Traditionally, women are the ones expected to rear the children, while the men are away from the homestead. Whilst the men are away, the women are the ones shaping the kind of person the child will become when they are adults. Raising children is one of life’s important and challenging tasks, as that person will have a part in shaping the future. When the men are away from home, they are missing out on quality time with their child. Quality time which they could use to fill the void and to create a balance in the life and the outlook of the child.
On my personal journey, I will be raising a boy child. He will grow up without an emphasis on gender work division, or any gender specific roles. I will do this in the hopes to shape a man who will have respect for gender equality in all aspects of life.
Opposing that cultural and traditional belief, men, particularly African men, should be encouraged to play a more participatory role in raising their offspring, in that way, they imprint a personal stamp on the future adult.
16 December 2011
The gift that keeps giving
Psalm 127:3 'children are a gift from the Lord, they are a real blessing'
Back, way, way back in 1983
Erick
Mbali entle 2009
Sizwe, with friends, asleep! 2days old
3days old. My bday/xmas/new years/valentines gift came right on time!
5days old on 19/12/11
Children are a gift that keeps giving. Blessed love!
'Thx for the pic and enjoy motherhood.It's a new chapter in your life.Looking forward to meet the two of you one day.Last year you lost your mom unfortunately and this year this little angel came into your life.If you need anything you know how to reach me.Take good care of yourself and sizwe !!
Much love to you & cutie pie
Deb'
'Zinzi Voyiya
:D an excited aunt to the the world's breastloving boy. Welcome to the big, sometimes small complex beautiful world Sizwe, you'll soon realise it's filled with looneys who are trying to make sense of the nonsensical miracle called life.'
"CONGRATULATION
AND WELCOME SIZWE!!!!!
I am so happy to hear that you are back home!
It would be great to see photos
I am so excited to see you and Siswe when I am back in South Africa
All the best from your friend
Åsa"
Back, way, way back in 1983
Erick
Mbali entle 2009
Sizwe, with friends, asleep! 2days old
3days old. My bday/xmas/new years/valentines gift came right on time!
5days old on 19/12/11
Children are a gift that keeps giving. Blessed love!
'Thx for the pic and enjoy motherhood.It's a new chapter in your life.Looking forward to meet the two of you one day.Last year you lost your mom unfortunately and this year this little angel came into your life.If you need anything you know how to reach me.Take good care of yourself and sizwe !!
Much love to you & cutie pie
Deb'
'Zinzi Voyiya
:D an excited aunt to the the world's breastloving boy. Welcome to the big, sometimes small complex beautiful world Sizwe, you'll soon realise it's filled with looneys who are trying to make sense of the nonsensical miracle called life.'
"CONGRATULATION
AND WELCOME SIZWE!!!!!
I am so happy to hear that you are back home!
It would be great to see photos
I am so excited to see you and Siswe when I am back in South Africa
All the best from your friend
Åsa"
07 October 2011
Dear son: w.o.m.a.n.
Dear son,
As your mom, I have first hand experience on being a woman, let me impart some lessons to you that will help you lead a happy life.
Woman is... The bearer of life. Mother. Sister. Friend. Lover. Wife.
So, think twice before an harmful act towards any woman. Ask yourself how you would feel were some man to mistreat your sister, cousin, friend, lover or mother.
W. Wisdom. Winning every argument against her is not proof that you are wiser than her. Choose your battles wisely.
O. Own. Woman is her own self, belonging to no man. She is equal to man. Treat her as your equal, not as some possession. One can't possess another.
M. Monogamy. Have one partner at a time. Remain monogamous to her, it will save you many woes.
A. Adore. Adore and appreciate her, that's all that is required of you.
N. Needs. Ask her what her personal needs are of/ from you. Each woman is different, with different needs.
Take these tips to heart and practise them for a happy, fruitful life.
Infinite love,
Mom V.
As your mom, I have first hand experience on being a woman, let me impart some lessons to you that will help you lead a happy life.
Woman is... The bearer of life. Mother. Sister. Friend. Lover. Wife.
So, think twice before an harmful act towards any woman. Ask yourself how you would feel were some man to mistreat your sister, cousin, friend, lover or mother.
W. Wisdom. Winning every argument against her is not proof that you are wiser than her. Choose your battles wisely.
O. Own. Woman is her own self, belonging to no man. She is equal to man. Treat her as your equal, not as some possession. One can't possess another.
M. Monogamy. Have one partner at a time. Remain monogamous to her, it will save you many woes.
A. Adore. Adore and appreciate her, that's all that is required of you.
N. Needs. Ask her what her personal needs are of/ from you. Each woman is different, with different needs.
Take these tips to heart and practise them for a happy, fruitful life.
Infinite love,
Mom V.
03 October 2011
ABC's of living
A. Ask. Always ask questions. It is the path to knowledge
B. Be. Be true to yourself
C. Cry. Yes, it is okay to cry. It does not make you less of a man
D. Do. Do the right thing
E. Empathy. Try to imagine yourself in the other person’s shoes
F. Fairness. Strive for fairness and equality
G. God. There is a larger Being above human beings. Some call it God
H. Honesty. Be honest and truthful
I. Independence. Make up your own mind on what you do/think/believe
J. Justice. Treat others justly and observe the justice of the land
K. Karma. What you do will come back to you
L. Laugh. Be willing to let go and laugh at yourself
M. Money. It is not the most important thing in life. It comes and goes, so save some
N. Nature. Treat nature with respect and preserve it before it becomes extinct
O. Open mind. Always keep an open mind and keep learning
P. Practice. When you have a passion and want to excel in it, practice
Q. Quit. Never quit. When you fail, try again
R. Respect. Respect yourself. Respect others and their opinions even if you disagree or do not like them
S. Smile. It brightens the day and lightens the mood
T. Travel. Travel out of you comfort zone. Go and learn of new places, people, foods and languages
U. Up. Always keep your head up
V. Values. Formulate your values and assess them, mostly, stick by them
W. Worth. You are worthy. Know your self worth and don’t berate yourself
X. Xcuse me. Excuse me. Please. Thank you. These are the magic words, remember to use them
Y. You. Believe in you as I do
Z. Zzz’s. get in a few zzz’s, its good for your wellbeing
B. Be. Be true to yourself
C. Cry. Yes, it is okay to cry. It does not make you less of a man
D. Do. Do the right thing
E. Empathy. Try to imagine yourself in the other person’s shoes
F. Fairness. Strive for fairness and equality
G. God. There is a larger Being above human beings. Some call it God
H. Honesty. Be honest and truthful
I. Independence. Make up your own mind on what you do/think/believe
J. Justice. Treat others justly and observe the justice of the land
K. Karma. What you do will come back to you
L. Laugh. Be willing to let go and laugh at yourself
M. Money. It is not the most important thing in life. It comes and goes, so save some
N. Nature. Treat nature with respect and preserve it before it becomes extinct
O. Open mind. Always keep an open mind and keep learning
P. Practice. When you have a passion and want to excel in it, practice
Q. Quit. Never quit. When you fail, try again
R. Respect. Respect yourself. Respect others and their opinions even if you disagree or do not like them
S. Smile. It brightens the day and lightens the mood
T. Travel. Travel out of you comfort zone. Go and learn of new places, people, foods and languages
U. Up. Always keep your head up
V. Values. Formulate your values and assess them, mostly, stick by them
W. Worth. You are worthy. Know your self worth and don’t berate yourself
X. Xcuse me. Excuse me. Please. Thank you. These are the magic words, remember to use them
Y. You. Believe in you as I do
Z. Zzz’s. get in a few zzz’s, its good for your wellbeing
02 October 2011
Let there be life!
Apprehension, that is the feeling I’ve always held when it comes to thoughts regarding motherhood.
I could not imagine myself in the role, and wearing the cap of “mother”. But, some things happen whether you invite them into your life or not.
Although, procreation is not something that happens by some random act of a faraway god or by accident. Even when it is unplanned, there is always choice by the two parties involved.
As stated in my previous writings, more specifically “the circle of life”, I had an idealistic childhood. Although it was for a short while. When that family foundation crumbled, I crumbled along with it, falling into its gaping cracks.
That experience caused the apprehensive feelings towards motherhood, and the thought of creating family structure that may be thriving at one point, and disintegrating at the next. The thought scared me and I was willing to happily live a life alone.
But destiny had other designs for my life. I am not less apprehensive now, but ever since I had that ultrasound scan done, and saw that little heart beating within my womb, I was filled with a little bit of courage.
At this point, there is no turning back, the journey has commenced. Life has been created and grows within my womb. I embrace the process, the change, accompanied by joys and pains. I accept the challenges ahead.
My unborn child, I welcome you, and I love you. I wish you the best health and success. I believe our relationship will only improve me, making me a better person.
Thank you for choosing me on your journey. Let there be life!
I could not imagine myself in the role, and wearing the cap of “mother”. But, some things happen whether you invite them into your life or not.
Although, procreation is not something that happens by some random act of a faraway god or by accident. Even when it is unplanned, there is always choice by the two parties involved.
As stated in my previous writings, more specifically “the circle of life”, I had an idealistic childhood. Although it was for a short while. When that family foundation crumbled, I crumbled along with it, falling into its gaping cracks.
That experience caused the apprehensive feelings towards motherhood, and the thought of creating family structure that may be thriving at one point, and disintegrating at the next. The thought scared me and I was willing to happily live a life alone.
But destiny had other designs for my life. I am not less apprehensive now, but ever since I had that ultrasound scan done, and saw that little heart beating within my womb, I was filled with a little bit of courage.
At this point, there is no turning back, the journey has commenced. Life has been created and grows within my womb. I embrace the process, the change, accompanied by joys and pains. I accept the challenges ahead.
My unborn child, I welcome you, and I love you. I wish you the best health and success. I believe our relationship will only improve me, making me a better person.
Thank you for choosing me on your journey. Let there be life!
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