Cassandra

By Thiambi Nengwekhulu

Life is what you make out of it. Of course, life will always throw its blows on us. Sometimes we will have to go through tragedy, triumph, the highs and lows, but the key is to never give up on our dreams no matter the circumstances. Challenges are mist that covers the mountain in the morning, but when the sun comes out, it slowly disappears.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Feb 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781466971578

Thiambi Nengwekhulu

Thiambi Nengwekhulu is an emerging writer and a poet. She is the third-born daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nengwekhulu, born in the village of Mukumbani around Limpopo province in South Africa. She started writing at a very young age by writing poems and motivating piece of writing. Writing, to her, is a gift from God. This is her first book to be published.

Book preview

 1

I t was on Friday afternoon in Technical High School. One of the best school in the province, it was a huge school I can say and the word beautiful is understatement. Because of its good academic record the school gets the visit at the beginning of every year from the minister of education. It was the beginning of the year 2003 where students were gathered at the school hall for the special visit from the minister of education. The principal was on the stage addressing learners.

"Good morning learners.’’ The principal said.

Good morning sir The students replied.

‘‘As you all know that today we have special visit from the parliament and before I say anything I would like the school choir to come forward and give us a national anthem song, to kindly welcome our visitors’’ The choir moved forward in respect of what the principal said and the choir was filled with excitement to be given such opportunity, to sing for the well known minister of education? The beautiful lady in the front was Cassandra Nemalale one of the best student in the school and that day she was the one who was leading the song and the choir joined and singed along.

Nkosi sikeleli I Africa

Maluphakanyiswi’ uphondo lwayo

Yizwa imithandazo yethu,

Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapo lwayo

Morena boluka setjhaba sa heso

O fedise dintwa le matswenyeho,

Ose boloke, ose boluke

Ose boloke

Setjaba sa heso, setjhaba sa South Afica

South Africa uit die blou van

Onse hemel

Uit die diepte van ons see

Oor ons ewige gebergtes,

Waar die kranse antwoord yee,

Sounds the call

To come together

And united we shall

Stand let us live and strive for

Freedom in South Africa

Our land

After singing they stood there holding hands waiting for the principal’s order "Wow you sang very well, let us open and close for them’’ The principal said as the crowd clapped hands for the school choir that sang very well, and when they were singing you could see that what they were singing was coming from within in a way that it pleased everyone who was listening. Also with the beautiful voice of the lead singer Cassandra Nemalale who moved the souls of many when she opened her beautiful mouth to sing with that angelic voice of hers that made those who are not even interested in music turn to love it. The principal stood there proudly and he again said.

"Ok, learners go to your respective seats, I will call you again’’ He said smiling at the choir.

"Without wasting time I am going to call on stage honorable minister of education, I would like you to scream, shout and ululate as she will be making her way to the stage. I must say we are very fortunate and blessed as a school to be visited by the minister every beginning of the year. Some of the schools have not even seen the minister of education face to face, but we get to meet the minister every beginning of the year and its all because of your hard work learners, you should be proud of your selves. I would like you to do what I told you to do as Mr. Oscar and Mrs. Brown will be accompanying our honorable minister to the stage.’’ The whole school stood up, they were all filled with joy, screaming, shouting and ululating as the minister was making her way to the stage. She was smiling endlessly as she saw the joy in every learner’s eye.

‘‘To the principal of this school, Teachers, Learners and everyone who is here in this school hall I would like to greet you and also to extend my gratitude to you for welcoming me with open arms. I believe you all know me I am Gail October the minister of education of this country.’’ She said putting in order the papers she came with.

‘‘It is an honor to find myself in this school for it is a very dignified school. One of the best schools in this country and infant due to the findings of the department of education we found it the best school all over this country in terms of discipline, performance and also cleanliness. That is why I thought it right and wise to give you such visit at the beginning of every year to encourage, motivate and to thank you for the good work you are doing I would like to say I am honored.’’ Her praises made everyone happy and mostly the principal.

"I would like to call the principal to come forward to give me the top five learners of this school who where in grade twelve last year and the name of the best learner who was in grade eleven last year and is now in grade twelve.’’ The principal stepped forward with a list of the mentioned learners and he reads.

‘‘I will start with the last year’s grade twelve top learners and because they are not here I would like their parents to step forward as I will be reading out their names, I mean the parents of those learners who where in grade twelve last year. The learner who took position number five who passed grade twelve last year with a bachelors degree and with two distinctions is Nengwekhulu Benny, the learner who took position four who passed with a bachelors degree is Theo Ndaba, The one who took position number three with a distinction in mathematics is Livhuwani Munzhelele, The one who took position number two with three distinctions is Naomi Nengwekhulu, And lastly the learner who took position number one’ He raised his voice in excitement and said.

‘‘Is none other than Thendo Ramutsindela, she passed with seven distinctions in all her learning areas, with a bachelors degree and is also the best learner in the whole province. I would like the parents of the mentioned learners to step forward to come and collect the trophies on behalf of their children.’’ He said as the learners where clapping their hands as the mentioned parents where making their way forward. After the principal and the minister have finished giving the trophies due to the performance of the learner show the principal said.

‘‘I am not yet finished. Lastly I would like to call the best learner who was in grade 11 last year and is now in grade twelve to come forward with her parents.’’ He looked at his paper and read out.

"The best learner who was in grade 11 and is now in grade twelve is none other than Cassandra Nemalale! Cassandra Nemalale please steps forward.’’ Cassandra and her beloved mom stood up and made their way forward. Cassandra was very beautiful; she was tall covetous, coffee colored and well mannered. One could say her mother taught her well. The lady was very beautiful with her beautiful big brown eyes. She stood there in front of everyone with her mom.

"Cassandra you are not just a pretty face with an angelic voice you are also good at school well, I am impressed.’’ Cassandra smiled shyly after the compliment that was made by the minister.’

‘Thank you Mr. Principal you may step down, I will take it from here ‘‘Looking at Cassandra’s mom she said.

‘‘Madam thank you for the good work that you are doing, I believe it is because of your guidance, love and support that is making your daughter to perform well at school. And by that I would like to say keep up the good work that you are doing. This world is dying for caring parents like you and by that I would like to say well done. I don’t know your daughter but from what I have observed, your daughter is a good girl and the fact that she is mannered everyone can see that, it is something that even a blind someone can tell. Thank you so much for the good work that you are doing in raising this kid well. You may take your leave to your respective seat while I am left here with your for I have a special announcement to make.’ She said giving Cassandra’s mother a hand as she was turning to leave. Standing next to Cassandra the minister said to her.

‘‘So my daughter what do you want to study after fulfilling grade twelve?’’ she asked

‘‘I would like to study law.’ Cassandra replied shyly with her charming voice

‘‘So you want to study law?’ The minister asked.

‘‘Yes.’’

‘‘The special announcement is that if you pass with distinctions in all your subjects I will give you a scholar ship to go and study in any university of your choice abroad, that is my promise I would also like you to promise me that you wont disappoint me that you will make it’’ The minister said looking at her

‘‘Oh my god why not yes I will make it, I will make you proud and in actual fact I will be the best learner in the whole country and even the whole world I will make you proud’ Cassandra said in excitement and that made the minister very happy because even before she was told that she is the best learner she saw the potential she had when she was singing in the choir and fell in love with her. When she made that promise it made her happier.

‘‘Ok here is your certificate ‘‘she handed over the certificate to her as the whole school was clapping hands for her as she made her way to her seat.

‘‘To every learner in this building, I would like to tell you that it is possible to be like Cassandra. If she can make it then you also can do it. It is up to you to make a change in your life. Let me share this story with you, I believe it will help you.’’ She read out to learners

‘‘Once upon a time there were four men

EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY, and NOBODY

An important assignment had to be done

And EVERYBODY were sure that SOMEBODY will do it

ANYBODY could do it,

But NOBODY did it.

This made SOMEBODY angry,

Because it was EVERYBODY’S job.

EVERYBODY thought that SOMEBODY would do it,

But NOBODY realized

That EVERYBODY won’t do it.

The results was that EVERYBODY, blamed SOMEBODY when

NOBODY did

What ANYBODY could have done.

‘‘That is the story and by this I am trying to tell you that for other learners to be like Cassandra it does not only require the children’s hard work but also you teachers should join hands in working together in order to build a brighter future for this kids. Just like what the former president of this country has said that education is the key to overcome poverty. The ball is in your cot Know that you can do it and I also know that you all are going to make it at the end of the year if you work hard in order for you to reach your goal. Your dreams are real you should not let them fade, show the world what you are made for, show the world just what you have been created for, no matter the circumstances if you work hard you will make it. Your dreams are the foundations to set your hopes free face the world and reach for the sky. It doesn’t matter what you are going through, I have seen many people rising up above their situations and making it to the top. I have also seen those who should have been miserable due to their circumstances rising above all odds and making it in life, if they can do it then you also can do it. Dont settle for good when you can be great. I know that we are all born with knowledge and wish to be good, to protect and look after our own but this also includes our hard work. I am the living witness of what I am talking about; I know that you may be asking your self many questions like what is this minister talking about? but by this I want to let you know that even for me to get this post it wasn’t easy but I never gave up, I worked very hard to be where I am today. So you see I know that you might go through thick and thin in this journey but the secret is to work hard and holding on to your dreams for a better future lies ahead. I know that this school is and have always been the best so I do believe that even this year it will do what it does best, I am talking about producing good results. This school has never disappointed us. To the grade twelve learners I want to see the hands of those who are going to pass with distinctions at the end of the year.’’ She gazed at the learners to see those who are saying that they will make it at the end of the year and she saw that all the grade twelve learners have raised their hands up.

‘‘So this means that all the grade twelve learners we have in this school are going to pass all their subjects with flying colors, I am impressed and you may lay down your hands’ She continued saying

‘‘In a country like this if you pass your grade twelve well and just sit at home doing nothing and you say you have got financial problems, then you will be lying under your teeth because you are living in a country that is very good in sponsoring education and there are many bursaries available for those who want to go to school to imbetter their lives and their families. And by all that I said, I would like to thank you for listening and I hope that you will take all that I have said seriously. Thank you for your time and to Cassandra Nemalale always remembers the promise you made to me, infront of your teachers, the principal, your mother and everyone who is here.’ She said looking at Cassandra Nemalale who was seated at the front. Lastly she said.

‘‘I would have loved to spend much time with you people but due to my tight schedule there is nothing I can do, there is somewhere I have to rush to.’ She said and exchanged hands with the principal who was already next to her. When she was leaving everyone stood up throwing hands to her as she was making her way out with her bodyguards and other selected teachers who were accompanying her out.

 2

T hat evening Cassandra’s mom Monalisa was prepared Cassandra’s favorite meal, just to please her after making her proud at school for being the best student in the whole school. Cassandra’s mom was very proud of her only beloved daughter. You could see from her eyes that she is very happy and extremely proud to be Cassandra’s mom, well who wouldn’t? Many parents at school were wishing if Cassandra were their daughter. After cooking she nicely set the table and went to call Cassandra who was in the study room.

‘‘Cassandra!’’ She called knocking at the door.

‘‘Yes mom’ Cassandra answered

"Cassie the food is ready come lets eat.’’

‘‘Ok mom I am on my way ‘that was Cassandra who replied putting her books in order.

‘‘Don’t keep me waiting, because the food will get cold.’ That was her mother who said making her way back to the dinning table where she has dressed the food. Cassandra closed the study room door following her mother to the dinning room where they every day sit to enjoy their meal, but it was different that day because the dinning room was beautifully decorated. Looking at her mom Cassandra asked.

‘‘Mom did you have to do this?’’

‘‘My daughter you deserve more than this it is just that I have no enough money, if I had I would take you to the most expensive restaurant in this town.’’ her mother said beaconing a chair for Cassandra.

‘‘Mom why are you doing this to me you are making me nervous’’ Cassandra said with her lips curving as someone who was very happy and never expected to be honored this way by her mother. But deep down she knew that when it comes to appreciating the good work someone has done her mother is the best. While she was still standing admiring what her mother has done for her, her mother said to her.

‘‘Come on, sit down and lets eat this food before it gets cold’’

‘‘Ok thanks mom, lets close our eyes and I will pray’ Cassandra said holding hands with her mother. With their eyes closed Cassandra prayed.

‘‘God bless this food which we are about to eat and bless those who don’t have food to eat so that someday they can have something to eat, in the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen’’

Her mother replied by saying ‘‘Amen’’

‘‘Mom I would like to thank you for this meal this is the best meal anyone has ever cooked for me. Thank you mother I thank god every day for giving me a carrying mother like you. I know you don’t have much but doing this from your heart it is all that matters.’ She said enjoying the meal her mother has cooked for her.

‘‘Anything for my baby. Don’t worry yourself in December I am taking you on a vocation to Mozambique we are going to spend our holiday there, I know that we nurses don’t earn much but I have saved enough money ok’’That was her mother who said looking at her.

‘‘You mean for real?’ She asked in disbelief

‘‘Well I mean it, and if you again keep the promise you made to the minister you will see what I will do for you baby’’

‘‘Oh thank you mommy I promise I will make you proud.’ She jumped out of her chair in excitement and gave her mother a big hug and continued saying.

‘‘Thanks mommy you are the best mom in the whole world. I am the luckiest child in the whole world to have someone like you!’’

‘‘So tell me, how did you feel when the minister was making such compliments about you and praising you the way she was?’’Her mother asked.

‘‘I don’t know how to explain it, it was like a dream, I couldn’t believe it my self. At the beginning I felt like crying, but deep inside my heart I was praying to god that if it is a dream then he should not make me wake up from it. I was very happy mommy really I was.’’She said sitting down on her chair.

‘‘Well I felt proud and happy too, and when she stood me up praising me of the good work I did in raising you I felt more proud to be your mother, I mean the fact that it is visible for everyone to see that my daughter has manners well I am proud of you my daughter. You did well.’’ Said the proud mother smiling at her daughter who was seated next to her.

‘‘Well all thanks to you if it wasn’t for your support and advices where would I be? I mean not all mothers are like you. I love you mother no matter what happens I just want you to know that. I mean you are everything to me, you are a carrying, loving, a supportive mother and on top of that you are also my best friend. You are once in a million.’’

‘‘Thanks baby. But is my responsibility as a mother to see that my daughter is well taken care of and is receiving all the motherly love she can get from me. Well if I have not told you, then I want you to know that you also are the best thing that has ever happened in my life. You came into my life and changed everything for the better. I love you honey; you are my world and also my everything. The best daughter that millions of people are dying to have.’’ She said with tears coming out of her big eyes and continued saying.

‘‘Baby that is why I want the best for you because you are the best and you deserve the best. I will make sure that you persue your dreams and become the person you want to become. I am telling you that your life will not and will never go a strain as long as I live, I will be there for you every step of the way, protecting you as I always have protected you all your life. You are my only daughter and I will do anything for you’’ She said holding her hand.

‘‘Thanks mom. You see when I get a job the first thing I will do is to buy you any car of your choice, I mean I am in grade twelve now and there are no more than five years left for me to be independent.’’

‘‘I am glad that you consider your studies first before anything, my dear everything comes in its time and I am telling you if you go on like this you will see more doors opening in your life. Let it be only your books and your school work that is always in your mind’’She said seriously looking at her and Cassandra replied laughingly.

‘‘Mom I know what you are talking about, you give me lectures everyday about this. I already know where you are driving at.’’

‘‘So tell me what am I talking about?’’Her mother said giggling.

‘‘I know you are talking about boys, you don’t want me to have a boyfriend at this age because I am still young and it will ruin my life’’

‘‘Exactly, you just took the words out of my mouth. I am not saying that you should not make friends with boys all I am saying is that it should not be more than friendship because you are still young to involve yourself in relationships ok. Take a look at what happened to Tya, she immaturely engaged herself into relationships, now she is pregnant and the boy who impregnated her has refused to marry her. That boy has even denied the child and I don’t want such things to happen to you.’’

‘‘Oh I didn’t know’’

‘‘Well now you know, you see there is no love at your age it is only last and illusion that’s it. The guys just want to use you and dump you that’s it. I wont have my daughter used like a driving school car where people use them in learning how to drive cars and when they have qualified they go and purchase a brand new car from the garage.’’

‘‘Well trouble not your heart mom because none of this will happen to me’’

‘‘When the right time comes because it will do, I will throw you this big wedding that you will not believe. My daughter it will be the best wedding ever all you have to do is to take good care of yourself and remain virgin until you get married, for the Bible says