A REAL WELCOME...?

´´Thank you Reverent, how sweet of you...your words has finally comforted us.May God´s mercy and the happinesss be with...". "Thank you Mrs Kwezi,actually it`s my mission".Interupts Reverent Johnson."Well Reverent, it´ll get you something to quench away the thirst." "No, thanks Cathrine,I`ve already done that.Oh! It`s time for me to leave".Said the Reverent after looking at his whatch."If there`s something I might help with,please gave me a call".Concludes the Reverent and waved goodbye.

The Kwezi`s were one of the few upper-class in Warrenvalle.The suburb South of Fourteenville.Blessed with two beautifull children.But something special about them is how well they treat any of their guest.

A few meters from their house,just next to their yard was a agoraphobia with thick grass and trees.Mr Kwezi had several times contacted the manucipal Authority complaining about the filthyness of this.But was always assured that the veld would be taken care of."Man i`m tired of your assurity or should I say this merry-go-around.I`m thinking of taking this to the other Departments"."No...no Mr e....e..". "Kwezi".Joins Ronald"This side is reserved for development.There is a Pre-school to be build here soon".Explained the clerk."Do you hear that! now a creche next to my house.What is this,why are you doing this to me?" "Mr Kwezi,I want you to understand this".Said the clerk gently."Kids are lottering up and down the streets when their parents are off to work.They are continually knock down by cars,hence a creche.We want to protect and prepare them early for the formall schooling"."Well"Said Ronald lifting his shoulders in an American accent."I hope you start you start soon,the bush is bugging me".Before he could leave,the clerk added"Eee...you see Mr...,this place and side is convienent to everyone here in Warrenvalle.Abashed"What ! Am I blind!? You better hurry!"with a warning sign.

Mr Ernest Malgas, a naïve person, tried his best to show Mr Kwezi what the space was reserved for.The Kwezi`s were supprised by the information as the space had long been there.Suprissinly, the family had live here almost three years since the election in 1994 for a new democratic South Africa,there were no such proposals.Is this to shut his big mouth...or to stop him complaining,thinking he knows better -since he is from exile!?

The Kwezi`s were in some ways respected and loved but on the other-detested by some in the neighbourhood.Oprah,named after the famous,was born fourteen years in London. She was choosen to lead the school Netball team and was a prominent member of the shool Represantative Council.His brother,Lawrance was left in London to complete his degree in medicine.The mother,Cathrine was a superviser at New Tech Clothing Industry.While the father was a retired Managing Director at Oxly Insurance company.

Their house was the only one with it`s modern designs.Expensive tiles and roofs to the latest styles in furnishers.In the middle centre of the dinning room stand a seven piece Carol Cove dinning room suite.The elegent suite,beautifully crafted in Oak solids and Herring bones with extension table.Their bedroom was gorgeous,dark with dark green carpets,matching curtains and Duvet sets.A Queen size Slumber King bed.For the low working class,just forget about it-it will take your entire life.Their house was a double storey.A some kind of frigid family-thus making them untouchables.

Susan was a kind of a good old old woman who goes beyond by not educated but atleast loves everyone.She is somekind of a precient person,almost knows everything about apartheid South Africa.She was and still here when all are introduced and abolished.Above all,the return of her family.She seem whole heartely hate the state of life like'kings' in the house.

When Lawrence was at home during holidays,they usually cross.She hates Lawrence's attitude of been an egotist but loves him very much as her grand-son.

One Friday morning they cross."Lawrence,would you please get out of bed and have your breakfast,it's getting cold.By the way, why are you still in bed at this time?".Yell Susan at Lawrence's bedroom door."No Gran,I'm not feeling well today.E...e.... I'm in bed with Laryngittis.""What!?She dashed hurrily into Lawrence's bed-room.Are you in bed with a Polish,where is she?". Lawrence sombre."No Gran,it's my throat,it is dry".He said,covering his head with a beautifull Meroon duvet cover."Ma,I need more sleep,I'll wake up a little later".Concludes the grandson.

"But you'll have to eat first to boast your energy or should I bring it up here?"."No ma"."But Lawrence you can come back to your bed".Susan was strict but atleast to limitations.Knows what,how,and when to re-act?With no response from the Grand-son.She grab with extort the cover and orderd him out of bed and downstairs.Up on his feet he protested."What is this?"."Lawrence I say downstairs!".

This almost become the allercation when Cathrine burts in as Lawrence was saying...."Even in the United States I was treated like this.I wish I ... "Lawrence,what on earth are you doing!?".Asked the mother.But Lawrence silently said his words...could return back to the States now"."Ma Gran doesn't understand.I'm pulled like a jackass from my own bed..."Susan interups and again dictate Lawrence downstairs.She vindicate to Cathrine how imperitive is for Lawrence to fill his stomach no matter his sickness.She also advices her to give him some morphine.

Ronald's father was buried two years ago.Since and before his burial there had been lots of arguments partaining how he should and was buried.Before he leaves the dusty streets of Ikaeleng Township.He called his son and Susan and explain to them in details his burial procedure.Mr and Mrs Kwezi were staunch believers in their culture,tradion and customs.But instead a gala was hosted,much to Susan's amusement.

Albeit Ronald was not the kind of a chancer and since at home.He liked to keep trying various competions particularly the crosswords and picture quize puzzles.He did not win a lot money but the litlle he was getting encouraged him to explore more into bigger ones.For his first attempt in Win 'n Spin-a competion run by a local Television.He won a fortune.He and his wife didn't know how to spend the money.

Weeks an months passed by the couple still pondering what to do with the fortune.One Sunday evening while the family was whatching the television,appear an adverd about the Sun-City.It showed how it looks like,the accomodation,games and food.

Cathrine was tapping her two middle fingers on her left cheek and in a jiffy took a glance at Ronald who was sitting next to her.She could see that Ronald was deeply thinking about something.The other couple were sitting next to each other glued to their seats.Lawrence was this time in his room preparing his luggage to catch an early first flight back to school.Cathrine said nothing and qiuckly excuse hereself to sleep.She waited patiently for her husband to arrive.In bed she explained to Ronald how she felt about the advert.She told him how it will be beautifull for them to see it themselves.The couple agreed that Sun-City is the place to go.

They decided to take along their long time friends, Mr and Mrs Letshabo,who helped them settled well again in their country of origin.

The following morning the plan was divulge to the entire family where it was agreed that the two Letshabo's children will be housed temporarily at Susan's guidance while they are away.

On the eve of trip Susan called Ronald in the lounge room and gave him her last instructions and warning.She said."Ronald,be extra cautious.This country has teeth,you must be alert at all times"."No Ma,don't worry.I will and of course I've heard that Sun-City is safe"Concludes the son.He immedeately rush to the phone and with Mzi lay down the final preparations.

It was a very hot day with clear blue sky that Friday four o'clock,when the Toyota Venture enters Johny's filling station.Ronald asked the petrol attendet to fill the tank and check all the necessities of the car.Mzi dashed out of the car and disappeared into the quick-shop.He appear after a short while with four botlles of juice and gave everyone except Ronald who was rummy tummy.

Back to the driving seat,he was given his juice and thanked Mzi for his hospitality.Ronald then slowly pulled off from the garage.He drove cautiously 'cause the heat was overwhelming so as to avoid tyre bursts.He asked the two back passengers to minimise their windows 'cause the incomimg vehicles were having strong passing wind that may pull the car off the road.From there on ,the only thing to be heared was the car enjine as no one uttered a word 'cause everyone was was thinking about Sun-City.Then Mzi broke the ice.

"Hey Ron,I can't wait for all the razzmatazz of the Lost City.It reminds me some years ago when I and my wife were here on... Tshidi jumped in."O wena,don't mention that.The extravaganza makes you really feel that you're in the lost city".Concludes her.

The two families had known each other for a very long time since they were all in same tetiary institution.But because Ronald and Cathrine couldn't cope with the South Arican conjucture in the1960's and 70's,went into a self imposed exile in the United States of America,London.Mzi Letshabo and his wife ,Tshidi choose to remain their country of origin.Not to hear and read from the media.

For the two nights stayed of fun,drinking and gambling.Ronald finally said "This is a real welcome home to the mother land.O! What a place Sun City?This is a beautifull "He said proudly."Ao!Darling,was it really so nice 'cause you can't even remember how you came from the bar.He felt ashamed.He nod his head for acceptance.Cathrine noticing this tried to brighteng him up because yes,fun was what they were looking for-an acon on joy.

Driving home was a mission of a cliff-hanger.Everyone was tired,praying to get home and have a decent sleep.It was little darker with sun-set rays ready to fade away when they reach Babeile street where Letshabo's reside.There were small boys playing football on this dusty street.After arriving and unloading the car,the two families waved goodbye to each other.

It was almost dark when the Kwezi's arrived home and surprised to see their house in darkness too.The electric gate swung open and the Red Venture slowly enters the yard.The house was still but the music could softly be heared from the lounge room.After pressing the door bell twice and without no response from the inside,he pushed the open.He light the house ."Ma ! Oprah! where are you?".But only the melody from the sound system could be heard.They went upstairs.

Still in sixes and sevenses,the phone rang."Hey Ron,it's me.Tell the kids to be ready,i'm coming to pick them up"."E...Mzi,you better come over here now and hurry ! Something is amis".He said in a haistily manner."Kids are no where to be seen."Within a couple of minutes the white Datsun 1400 with matching canopy reach section seven.He knocked like a cop and was instantly ordered in.He did not sit andimmedeately wanted to know why is he been called so hurrily."What ! Ron...what has happen,where are the kids?".

It was this time when Susan was preparing hereself to say what she know,then suddenly the phone rang.Ron hastily ran to the phone and pick it up."Hu..l..lo..,Kwezi's residence"But there was no respond from the opposite side."Hullo...He repeated the words several times and finally gave up.All the attention switched to Susan who seemed like to be in hell.Mzi asked her again." Gran ,where are the kids".

Lifting her shoulders she innocently and politely said."To tell you the truth,I don't have a clue where they migt be.I was tired and left them playing television game to take nap".Then the knock on the door."Ma....mi...!"The kids ran straight into their mother's open arms."Hey you two,where the hell have you been and where is Sis Oprah?"Asked the father angry."Dad Sis Oprah is at a particular house on the other side of the street.We saw people crying.We ran home leaving her there because she was also crying".Respond the nine year older one."Mzi lets go buddy,there's no time to waist"Said Ron in a hurry.

Just few meters from the door it swung open."Oprah! You nearly destroyed our day,what is going on?"Said the father inviting her in.But there was somethingwrong with her eyes.It looked like of a person who had been crying.Suddenly there was silence in then house.All seem to be in confusion.She went to sit next to her mother who put her in her hands.She then looked at Susan and said"I'm sorry Gran,It's all my fault.I'm sorry to put you into this.I didn't want to wake you up".She said with tears in her eyes.

Mr and Mrs Kwezi were holding each other like fraternities and in trepidation.They did stand so close together fourty years ago in their wedding day.Only Susan seem to read Oprah's mind.She plead that the girl be given rest first.She walk her to her own bedroom.Mzi again asked her older one what what had happened.

"Dad we were playing television game,then the phone rang.Sis Oprah went to pick it up,from there she switched off the set and ordered us to leave immedeately"."Just like that!?".Enquired the father.

The house was like a horror movie,everything was vague.The Kwezi's were sitting quietly and wondering."Ron,if there's is something new,please let me know.I'm going home to rest,tomorrow it's a long day".Conclueds Mzi leaving with his family.Ronald said nothing but seem to be congitating deep.Even when Cathrine bring him a cup of tea,he seem not to know what he was drinking.After a while he said to himself...Welcome to the real South Africa,back from the lost city.

It was this time when they prepare to sleep when the phone ring."Mr Kwezi,sorry to bother you.It's John Dube here"."Hey John ,I was just a meter to my bed.What's up?".Without waisting time John went into the thick of things."Is Oprah at home?It's all my fault,I should have waited for you man.I lost my cool and the unfortunate part of it is that,you were not home and the worst par...Ronald interupt him."John what are you talking about,what is wrong,why all this balderdash?Then silence.He then continues."The worst part is that I told her...Ron jumped in again.Told her what,who...?But he went on...but the truth is, she had to know"."Man are you crazy?You are waisting my time.I came back from the hectic weekend....."I know that Ron"."Then what John?"."You see Ron... "Hey i'm not blind".Banging the phone down on the reciever and immedeately removes it,placing it alongside the reciever.He went to bed angry and confused.

In bed they hold each other like never before.They were like in their pas de deux date.

Their marrige dates back twenty years ago when she was a standard nine student and him a matriculant.Their school that year had an out trip to Barkly-West,some hundred kilometers from Ikaeleng Township,where Ronald was born.Though they attended the same shool,she was a border in her uncle's home.By birth "

"Nkele" her well known name,was from Winsorton.Some twenty one kilometers from Ronald Tebogo Kwezi.

On the eve of the trip"Steh"as he was known to his local and school circles,excuse himself from the trip.But while relaxing in his back room.Cathrine Dikeledi Molejane insits that he goes."Steh,are you crazy?After all the hard work and preparationswe have done ,you now what to throw all into the "dead sea?No think big". "Nkele,you don't know and understand a thing.I'm having personal problems". "What problems,whom do you think will be our last speaker?You know that our team depends on you that dpartment,furthermore you have to recall what we promised our English teachers".Concludes her.Like resist talking he responded.Yeah I remember a...trophy for them". "Hey man wake up.Our team will be panicking without your presence.Just think about it.By the way,what is your problem? Maybe I can help.Tebogo c'mon,we need you more than any time now.You are well aware how fired up Letsatsing High school student are.Remember,we have been warn!".

Their conversation seem to be abortive.All this time Tebogo was tide-lipt,staring straight into Nkele's eyes.

Cathrine was having small beautifull round lips, big eyes with thick eye-brows.Her skin,soft and tender.Treated with special skin cares.She was beautifull with sexy modelling feagures.

"Ron,I'm talking to you,What's on your mind?".But he did not respond.Angry she said."Okay if that is the case,why should I keep talking?And futhermore I see no room for friendship.If you are my friend,then you've have to talk to me".He was still.Okay I'm leaving.I don't want to talk to statues,everything ends here.Don't ever talk to me".Standing,shouting and irate."I say forever!".She bang the door behind her-and there she was-egressed.

Tebogo jumped squirim effecing his forehead."Nkele!Nkele!".Shouting.Please wait".She stopped as requested."Nkele ,albeit telling you,please let it be between you and me."I'm having a problem..." "Tebogo,I don't have time for jokes.I want to get ready for tomorrow"Jumped Nkele in."Thank you Nkele,It's just that I'm having too much on my mind"."Tebogo,you better sort that out,I'm leaving".She left him standing like a statue right in the middle of the street.

Later that night he made up his mind.But still he did know how he will and how to begin.He took the longest route that lead to her so as to get his house into shape.Arriving at the door,he took a deep breath and knocked.

"Aah! It's you Tebogo.I suppose this time you're going to talk"."Yeah.I'm here to tell you that I'll be in the bus tomorrow morning"."Thank you Tebogo",hugging him.That's great to hear,that's Steh I know"."Nkele,It will be better If I leave,Its getting late"."Tebogo what about your problems?".Tebogo gave her a big smile."No,I don'think that you have to worry about that thing I'll take care about it myself.Rather let's concentrate on the present.

After that they waved goodbye to each other with smiles on their faces.

Tebogo was busy in his room when his mother bring his supper."Tebogo you are suprising,the last minute you was out,the next you are in.What is going onwith you?"."Ma,I nearly made a faux pas by not going.Tomorrow I want to be the best for my own benefit."Will you please excuse me? I want to finish preparing my speech".The mother was stunt by his son sudden flexibility.

The chorus "Sweet Jesus,Sweet Jesus"was their song of victory.The melody and the dancing was their way of damostrating victory.Albeit the Netball team lost.Their Volley ball,Soccer team and Debating team scope the trophies.Tebogo was the only silent passenger in this jubilation.Nkele recognising this,went ot him."Ao Tebogo,we are all over the moon,what now? It's about time that that you talk".Conclueds her."E..ee.. I guess you are right.Actually you are a nice p...person,interlligent and beautifull.I think I...o... ve.. you"."What!".Raising her eyebrows and voice."Tebogo are you crazy,what is your problem?"."Nkele,that's the problem"."But Tebogo". Now gentle."I thought we were just friends"Concludes her.As the bus came to a stand-still,the singing became louder because it inclueds their members of the community and friends.

Nkele left him without a word but promise to keep in touch with him.She then disappear into the crowd.A month and days passed by,Tebogo holding his hand on his fore-head.Then one Wednesday after school she rushed quickly to him,And there she was,gorgeous as ever.She was tall,young women with straight hair.

Though she has lost some touch of her beautifullness,he still loves her like before.

"Cathrine,I think we have to call our Doctor ,Oprah seem to be hurt by something serious".Said Ronld arriving back from the bedroom where Oprah was sleeping with her Granmother.

Cathrine was first to get out of bed,prepare breakfast and to see the Doctor.When Oprah woke up.She went straight to the bathroom and prepare hereself for school.She was surprised to find everyone in the lounge.She politely greet all and sit down."Mom I thought you would be in bed after a hectic weekend"."Yes my angel but how could I?We are so worried about you". Said the mother placing a cup of tea on the table."I know Mommy but first I owe you all an apology.I can understand that you are all worried but I'm fine"."Darling we all much concern,please tell us what happened yesterday?".Joins Ronald.

She starts tearfully."I think you all know how it feels to lose someone you love..."What!".Interupts Ronald."Are you having an affair!?"."No, dad,I'm talking about...and above all,your school best friend.I phoned,but hearing your voice,I decide not to speak"."Wait a minute! Get to the point".

Then the phone rang.Ronald went to pick it up."Ronald speaking here,may I help you".Hullo Ronald, John here again.I'm sorry to bother you,please listen to me.I'm sorry to put your daughter through this"."This what John? Tell me now before I..."Sorry Ron,yesterday I called you at home and only to find the kids.I was told you were out and Gran-ma was sleeping but because I wanted her to know,I call your daughter over here".

Lindi Dube and Oprah were in the same class.That fatefull Sunday,When she was from the hair-salon,was knock down by a car and die instantly.

"I felt that you daughter need to know first since they were great buddies-and I mean great buddies.Oprah used to pick him up every morning.They used to share lunch and desk".He then pause for some seconds."I'm sorry about the confusion.I didn't want her to hear from the school unlike if you were there,I'm sorry Ron".

Through the advice of the Doctor,the Kwezi's call the school for Oprah to be excused for the next few coming days.

On the eve of the funeral,Oprah asked permission from her parents to pay definive respect to her solitary friend.Late that night she waved aideu to her parents and left for the night vigil.

The tent was full.The singing-loud and clear.'though Oprah was not exposed to this,It was nice to be there,to see and off-course to say 'good bye' to her friend.Shortly after mid-night,she left the Dube's house for home.She seemed happy as she left the house.She enjoyed her stay at the vigil and was looking forward for the funeral early in the morning.There were three houses left before she could turn right to her street.She was silently singing 'Jesu o mpone fa ke lapile'.The Hymn was her favourate of the night.Before she could turn,she took a glace back at the tent and could hear how her friend was praised,But surprised to see being followed.

She felt fear strucking her.She quickly step up her pace.But before she could reach her rhythm,the follower was on her,hold her by her arm and assured her not be afraid of anything as there's a family house he want's to be directed to-which is on the same street as hers.After hearing that she calm down to listen.

Being in this congregation was one raggamuffin who was posing an eye in every move and smile she make.She was scarely to be seen in the streets at this hour and also in her teens,her figure was gorgeous.

It was one of those modelling agencies would cry for.Her smile and body would capture the attention of a blind camera men.In a moment,the man pulled out a hand-gun,orderd her to remain silent or her head would be blown off.She responded frightened."Ye...s...sir..o..k "She wanted to scream and protest but seing a gun she 'let the river of babylon' ran down her cheeks.She was not congitating about what is going on but what is goint to happen,whether is she being kidnapped for some kind of bargain.

Her captor show her the way.The stranger started to spiel as if he knows her."Lady ain't gonna hurt ya,It's just that ya is beautifulle.I know ya but need to know ya better....well? Opening his mouth,liftind his shoulders and smilling.But that was just a satire.All this time Oprah was still,not saying any word,shevering with fear.

Then his eyes turn red.He pressed the pistol into Oprah's mouth and using the other hand,grab her skirt which become slack.He pushed her to the ground,pointing a gun at her-she was instructed to undress herself.It was as if he was making a jape. He kneel down,unzipped his trouser and there he goes... She expereinced it forcefully and painful . She was warned not to tell anyone otherwise she'll be preparing her own funeral.

In pains she forced her way home. She was crying hesterically. Ronald heard the noise and he wondered if it's really Oprah's .He carefully went out of his bed,reach for his pistol and went down-stairs .At first he didn't know whether to call 10111 or just to see what is happening.

In the meantime, Cathrine was rolling over only to feel that there was no one next to him. Still pondering she heard the noise . She get her gawn and went downstairs, calling her husband's name .Whe she reach the lounge she was frightened to see Ronald holding a hand-gun,She nearly scream with fear . Ronald and her wife brave themselves and open the door . To their dismay,they couldn't believe what they saw. Their daughter!Clothes ripped off and slack.

Ron,quickly grab her inside,look around but saw nothing. Once inside the house ,he was shaking,He found Oprah in her mother's arms. After all the her tears. She relieve the saga to her parents. They all get into the car and went to the police station and their Doctor.

She didn't wake the following days.

The next Monday morning Ronald dashed into the Manucipality offices. Angry."Last time I told to do something with that bush and today my daughter has been raped and you know where?Right in the very same place"."Calm down Mr Kwezi ". Plead the Clerk."Did you report the incident to the police?"."Report!What what have they done?Two days and hours have passed and no one has been arrested".

Susan never recovered well since the two incidents . She felt sick and weak . She was in and out of the hospital. With age and weakness counting against her well-being,She finally left planet earth.

Because of her well-known and good manners.Mouners from all walks of life attend her funeral.She was applaud for her bravery,For she stood against the test of time.She expierenced all Apartheid laws and was there when transformation takes place,for her octogerian on this planet was worthy.Even the qoute from John 14:1 by Reverent Johnson console every one.A feast was provided.All kinds of drink was available some seem to forget what were they for.

Cathrine was busy thanking the Reverent while Ronald was sitting-alone,thinking about the events that unveiled since back to the motherland.At last he said to himself."What an eventfull welcome or is it a real welcome....?

E N D