This Sepedi and isiNdebele speaking family hosted me for my initial two months in South Africa.
They are the quintessential family! Despite having worked during the Apartheid for a white
woman who wouldn’t allow her to sit in the same room as her, Koko (Sipedi term for “granny”)
welcomed me with open arms. She is a wise and strong woman responsible for gaining British
sponsorship to establish the first creche (pre-school) in her village. She taught me lessons about
the power of love and forgiveness which helped me transcend some of my own personal
limitations, thus changing my life.
Koko’s husband is a retired church deacon. I was grateful to attend his retirement party. At the
function, I visited from one guest to the next learning about the great works of Mr. Kekana.
Stories included a testimonial from a physically disabled man who wasn’t allowed access to
schools on account of his condition. Mr. Kekana led a victorious fight for the man’s right to
education. Years later, the man recalls how his life was forever changed thanks to Deacon
Kekana.
Me with Mr. Kekana. In the Kekana house, it was common to have conversations in 5 languages
happening at once (isiNdebele, Sepedi, Sesotho, Tshivenda, and English). This is an effect of family
heritage and Africa’s blend of cultures.
Their daughter, Rachel, is the most selfless person I know. In defiance of her demands as an
educator, single mother, and caregiver, she always makes time to check on me and ensure my
safety when travelling back for visits. And shenever misses an opportunity to get a crowd rolling in