Nkosazane yomzulu: my journey

01

Chapter 1

Phawulothando's POV

I woke up at 5 am as usual and started the fire. Once it was properly set up I poured water into a big pot and put it onto the fire . I have 4 younger siblings; 2 boys and 2 girls . Thandiwe is the second eldest ,she is 13 ,I do most of my chores with her and we get along well but sometimes she slacks(like in the mornings) just because she is younger, even if its just one year. Sthembiso and Sthembele are my 2 twin brothers who are 10 years old . My youngest sister is Nkanyezi and she is 5 years old .

We are indeed a huge lot . We live in eMbumbulu as I have mentioned, my mother used to be a trophy wife when we were rich but she now works as a nanny in a town nearby. We live in a basic small 4 roomed house and one round hut .The round hut is the kitchen and the 4 roomed main house consists of the main bedroom which is used by our parents , a small lounge /sitting room and the two bedrooms are shared by all of us children.

The girls sleep in one room and the twins sleep in the other room. My father couldn't find work as a businessman because Mr Clifton ruined his reputation. He now works as a clerk at the clinic .Its a small clinic so it doesn't really pay much.We only arrived here a month ago , my father was lucky to find a job fast . My mom only found a job 2 days ago so she won't be getting paid this month. We'll have to try and make ends meet just like we did , it was a long month filled with torture but we'll make it I guess.

Back to the scenario occurring now , its now the first day of school in January. My father managed to find us a spot in some public schools here, its not far from home so we don't need transport, not that we could afford it anyways. I will be attending Buhlebezwe High School and doing grade 8 this year, I don't know anything about it so I guess I will see today . Thandiwe is in grade 7 , and the twins are in grade 4 at Langelihle Primary School .Nkanyezi will be attending at the local creche and my parents will have to pay . The water was now ready I woke everyone up and while they were bathing I made our breakfast.
Me: As always he’s the first one done
Sthembiso: Time management skills are the key in life , its the first day of school . Im just excited to see my new school and make friends

Me:Im sure you'll make lots of them , just be friendly. Here is your breakfast and tell the others its ready because I have to bath now
Sthembiso: So we are always going to be eating porridge now sis?
Me: Sthembiso this is our new life now , we are no longer rich . We have no money so we all have to accept that and get used to it . But I promise you one day I will get us all out of this poverty

(I leave him like that and go to my room)
I bath then lotion myself and wear my school uniform. Im actually proud that my parents were able to buy us all new uniforms even though we are broke. I wore my uniform with pride ,it felt like the start of great things .I checked on my siblings .

Nkanyezi:Where is my mom?
Me: Mom and dad leave early for work baby but they will bring you sweets when they get back later . (To the rest) are you guys done?
Twins: Yes sis
Thandiwe : I still have to brush my teeth ,let me finish up eating
Thandiwe is always late so I have gotten used to it overtime . I give the twins their money, R2 each and Nkanyezi R1 and tell them to rush to school
Sthembele: From R20 to R2 I literally give up on us guys this is bad (laughing )
Me : Sthembele please go to school and stop making fun of our situation. We will be okay soon . I don't even know why you are complaining because you will get a free meal at school

He just mumbles something under his breath, he is the rude naughty one so I just let him be and they leave. Thandiwe is done finally , I give her money and she leaves . I lock up and then take Nkanyezi to the creche . I get into the school gate of Buhlebezwe just as the bell rings . Ohh okay that was a bit close!