by Sibahle Magadla
Like most ‘typical’ migrant labourers to Johannesburg, I went home to Matatiele, Eastern Cape for the Easter weekend. My time at home is always a heartwarming experience, and the journey always nostalgic. My mother’s love is the highlight of my time at home. One could sum up my time at home using these expressions: Warm, hearty meals are always a central part of my stay: shall I mention the pap and organic chicken that taste very specifically like home! The gravel terrain and the cows and goats blocking the roads signal that you are far from the city. Nothing beats the stillness of the quiet mornings. Add to that the grounding feeling of the bright stars set against the dark sky each night, contradicted the next morning by the Good Friday Church service filled with singing, dancing and musical instruments. The familiarity and sense of belonging that come with hearing and speaking your home language. Being referred to by my clan names- MaRhadebe, MaMthi, MaNkosi, Ngelengele… Ah, what a treat!
“The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”
I was reflecting on a recent article by fellow Ubumbo writer, Liziwe Ntshweza: “On fatigue, burnout and the need for change”. I can totally relate – life can be exhausting. Fatigue is crippling. You can try all the self-care steps on the list, but to no avail. Something I do as a ritual when I reach this point is to travel home.
“Home is where our story begins…”
I spent a decent amount of time at our rural home, kwaMagadla. I connected with elders who emphasized key parts of my paternal family history. This re-affirmed my identity and existence. The entire experience was spiritual.
A study on the benefits of knowing your family history confirms that learning the history of our ancestors provides a greater understanding of the challenges they faced. This often inspires greater love and compassion which translates to our relationships with the living. Knowing our family history builds resilience as well. In learning about our ancestors’ lives, we can see patterns of overcoming failures and surviving hard times. This serves as a source of encouragement for us as well.
“Home is the starting place of love, hope and dreams.”
“Home is where one starts from.”
–T.S. Eliot
