Tzonia

By Mable Harris

This story lingered on her heart and that why she told it to me. And now Mable who is a writer writes about these American women who had a hard life and time in America from as far back as the 1940s The girl's name was Henritta until she got to Africa. She was stolen from a hospital in New York back in the forties, the nurse left the country with his baby girl and went back to her country in Africa and raised this child as her own. She remarried to a business man, she had a child for him in Soweto. She was raised as a happy child; her mother was a nurse and her step father was a business man working hard for a change in Africa. He dreamed of Africa do business with other wealthier countries. He even went so far as to sell out his daughter, TZONIA. This young naive girl ended up at the Mercy of a highly wealthy American business man. He brought her back to the states where he intended to continue using her for business deals in the states. And there is where this young girl's problems started.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9781664197510

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Copyright © 2022 by Mable Harris.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 02/22/2022

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Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 1

In the year of 1940 there was a young Christian couple Pastor Jackson Wiley and his wife Williemae. Pastor Jackson Wiley was a young assistant to his father Pete Wiley Pastor of one of the biggest colored churches in the state. Pete Wiley was the brother of a Civil Rights leader out of New York, Rand Wiley, who was talking with leaders of political means about these rights, Rand was the leader of a lot of well-known Afro Americans. Jackson and his wife were happy, they were both highly educated and they were teachers in their colored community. They weren’t involved in his uncle’s activities in New York, only in educating the young people of color in their community. They were well thought of by certain colored people and they were dependable young people, Jackson and his bride was looked up to as the ideal couple. Williemae was pregnant, they both was excited over becoming parents. Upon the birth of their daughter,

Henrietta Wiley their first born. The third day of Henrietta’s birth she was kidnapped from an all-black hospital. The family was devastated over this. The police weren’t really interested in looking for this newborn, they were suspicious of the parents. This was heartbreaking and very painful for the Wiley family. Some people after a while felt that the Wyles should give it up with the police eying them. For Jackson and Williemae this was insane. They had no idea of where their child was and this bothered them. Williemae almost went insane after there was no knowledge of where her newborn child was or if this child was alive. The family did whatever to try to help her in keeping her sanity. The loss of their newborn was devastating some thought that it was a way of shutting up Jackson’s uncle, Rand Wiley who lived in New York.

They did find out that the baby was obviously taken by a young African Nurse who worked there in the hospital. They speculate that this young woman took the baby and went back to Africa. This seem far fetch but the couple couldn’t even imagine this. Their child was kidnapped and taken back to a country they were unfamiliar with. The fact was true, the nurse went back to Soweto with this little girl whom she called Tzonia. Her reason for taking the child was she wanted a baby to replace the one she lost in America. Whose name was Tzonia, and now she had her daughter back. She was called Muthoni, her claim was her husband was killed and to save her and her daughter. She came back to Africa. She got a job in medicine upon returning to Africa with little Tzonia.

They had a little three-room shack where Muthoni had a lot of friends, some was in medicine as well. After a couple of years returning to her country Muthoni met and married Nikitenko Sibelko. A bright and determine son of a well-established man in Soweto. Nikitenko worked with people who was in Government. She became Muthoni Sibelko a woman who worked in a hospital and a loving mother to her daughter Tzonia. They lived decently Tzonia was the oldest of their three children, their son Petie Sibelko who Nikitenko was training to know what he was into. Tzonia didn’t know any difference in her and her mother, she loved Muthoni as her mother she was the only mother she knew of. Tzonia had a brother and one younger sister. Their father was into business, a hustler in a sense. His dream was to live better. Tzonia went to school, she had friends, her teacher was a male teacher who was set on African children getting an education. There was a lot of inspiring toward growth for the country of Soweto too.

At the age of nine Tzonia who was used to a normal but kind of rough life in Soweto, there was a lot of poverty there and death. But they had to survive and she was thankful for the parents she had, Nikitenko and Muthoni Sibelko. One night after everybody was gone to bed Tzonia overheard her father talking to her mother and he was saying.

I got to get in to this, it’s my only chance, things is going to get rough for those who do have power Muthoni.

Nikitenko, I don’t want to use any one of our children as a bargaining chip now that’s that.

Muthoni I’m doing it anyway; I need this chance and I’m told that this Mr. Harper is a very rich man.

He’s from the United States and is looking for a way to make money in this country.

And you overheard this at a meeting? She asked.

Yes, I sure did.

He answered in a low tone of voice. Do I have to remind you of how some of these people work?

Nikitenko, I don’t like working with the United States at all.

You don’t have to like anything but the money and the things we could leave for our children.

He answered. She stood there and she looked at him, he continue. Tzonia isn’t African anyway.

Nikitenko she is my daughter!

Muthoni, she’s not blood.

Nikitenko, she is, she is!" She said in a weak tone of voice.

Tzonia listened and she wondered what they meant by that. She was their daughter, wasn’t she?

Tzonia was coming in from outside after working on the farm land which given to her father. Her mother saw her seated out there and she came out and sat down beside her and she said. Tzonia we are very fortunate, we live good a lot better than others in this country of confusion and violence.

We have to keep this land we have to keep whatever is ours.

I don’t know if I understand mother. She said in a soft voice.

Tzonia, your father wants you to go into town and work for the prime minister there, he’s having guest and they need experience young African girls to work there for a while, to give off an impression.

Why me?

Because your father is favored and it’s an honor that you were chosen. She answered.

A smile appeared on this young girl’s face as she looked at her mother. Honey you got to remember that your mother is proud of you, that your mother loves you dearly.

Then she hugged her, she held her close. Tzonia felt the love her mother loved for her. She felt that this woman would do anything to protect her, to see to her being safe. So of course she went into work as a servant with a new friend Lerato Dlamini, who was a beautiful girl around the age of twelve. She was a nice girl she lived differently from the way Tzonia lived. She was poor and she came from a family of five kids. Tzonia Sibelko met a young boy there, Manie Chiawelo a handsome young boy who was eleven years old, he and Tzonia took a liking to each other right away.

After work Manie walked with Tzonia to a little spot out back. He said.

Tzonia the beauty, it’s a pleasure working with you.

Manie Chiawelo was a handsome boy but he was talkative he walked along with this girl trying to get to know her. By the end of their walk they had become pretty good friends. Tzonia liked him Upon getting back to her room which she shared with Lerato Dlamini, she fixed her a plate of food and the two girls sat on the floor of the room, Lerato said in a gentle tone of voice.

Tzonia do you know why you were chosen to come here?

No. She answered.

Your father don’t owe any money or anything? Lerato asked.

I don’t know at lease he didn’t mention it to me, why you ask?

Tzonia asked curiously. I’m here to pay off any debt my parents may owe.

She answered Money is slow around my house.

Mine too. Tzonia answered.

My father has been getting handouts for a while, he’s been doing whatever to repay our government and this here is a way of paying.

Hey I know my papa don’t owe the Government anything.

Tzonia spoke softly. We don’t know what deals is being made, they are in charge of seeing to the family are they not? She asked. Tzonia sat there over her dinner and she wondered why, why was she there?

She couldn’t be to pay off her father’s debt. The work around the palace wasn’t easy and it wasn’t a place for anyone lazy. Tzonia worked there for days without seeing her family. There was a lot of millionaires from around the coming to see the head of their state, one visitor she would never forget was Roy Fulton, he was a rich man from the United States, he was there to see if he could make some investments in Zimbabwe, there was a lot of important meetings there in that palace. At age Twelve she was able to get the train back to her little village in Soweto. Her father’s friend picked her up at the station. But he took her to a new home, a better home. Her mother answered the door and greeted her with a hug and a kiss. It was obvious she was glad to see her little girl and it was obvious that they were doing better now that she had left. After she got settled in her new home, they sat down to tea. Her mother Muthoni smiled and said.

Tzonia honey, we are doing a lot better this is what your father wanted for the family.

Why am I working up at the palace mama? she asked. Do we owe our government?

It’s important that you present yourself as a woman Tzonia, you are doing this for the family.

Mama I work hard every single day. She explained.

You may be asked to do more in order to help your father, and you must do it, you have to do it for the sake of our family Tzonia. She explained in a sad tone of voice.

Do what, what mama? She asked.

Satisfy the gentleman that comes there only if you are asked to do so, this is important for our family Tzonia, you must do it. Right then her brother walked in and he ran to her arms. He held her happy to see her.

You look good Petie.

Thank you, I’m attending Military school Pa thought it best.

He answered. So much has changed around here.

A new house fit for a King—he interrupted—our father has a way for us all to gain wealth. Tzonia we won’t be destitute again."

Tzonia had trouble making any sense out of that. Honey I hate to ask you about the sacrifice you have to make, but you got to think of your family as your brother is.

Tzonia looked around and things there was a lot better than the place they last stayed, Tzonia had never lived like this before and now she wondered how did her father pull this off? At dinner that evening her father, Nikitenko Sibelko after eating his full he said while lighting his pipe.

The white men have taken over; our government is working with them.

For the sake of what we do have we got to maintain it.

Now Tzonia your father is involved in a lot of changes and that’s important.

It was brought to my attention that we have to be smart in order to gain.

Are you sure you are one of the players father, I know of a guy who thought his father was one.

"We’re unable to find him and his

A lot of our people are against apartheid.

Petie, I’m against it as well but it is the white man’s law and we have to put up with it. One day we’ll be a well-respected country but we have to survive.

But they are killing our people! Petie spoke up. Nikitenko Sibelko looked at him with an angry look on his face.

They have been here for years Petie and there is no getting rid of them! Do you understand me?

I’ve done everything in the book to gain favor and I won’t allow anybody to mess this up, is that clear?

Your brother men are out there in huts, living with animals in some cases but not a Sibelko!

Tzonia could see he was serious, she could see he would do anything to gain power. Tzonia was still unclear as to what her part was in all of this was. She wasn’t sure, why they were chosen to live in that big palace. It was starting to look like they had a lot of money already. She visited with her brother Petie in his room, he smiled and said in a low voice.

Oh it is good to have my older sister back in this house.

This house is what I want to ask you about. She whispered.

They took it from a very wealthy man who didn’t want to agree to the law.

She looked surprised at his answer. Wow, our father?

Oh, let’s not forget that his father was a King many moons ago.

There is still people who believes in that name.

Already he’s becoming pretty successful, the one person he really wants to deal with is Roy Fulton.

He’s setting it up so you can meet this guy, he’s a very wealthy American.

When she got back to her room her mother was waiting. Talking to your brother?

It’s been a long time since we’ve talked. She explained. Her mother hung her head and she asked.

Do you like it there?

Not really but it’s to help father. She answered.

He is becoming powerful isn’t he?

He’s working with a lot of powerful people business is what he loves, and that is to be the man to reckon with.

Sweetheart do you remember some time ago I told you I worked in the United States as a nurse?

I remember. She said in a low soft voice.

I had a daughter and I lost that daughter.

But I found you you were a sweet little thing and you kind of looked like the child I lost.

You stole me? Tzonia asked seriously. She looked surprised that Tzonia knew, so she explained. I loved you so much I couldn’t leave you behind.

Are you telling me you stole me from my real parents?

Mama is this some kind of joke? Tzonia asked seriously.

No Tzonia, you are my daughter I’ve seen to you having a life.

I love you, and your brother loves you too.

I know Nikitenko has been a good father for you and the others as well.

I really don’t want you to do the things he’s asking it’ll only make for trouble if you refuse.

What is he asking?

For you to do whatever you are asked to do. She answered.

Even laying down with men.

That was a shock to Tzonia as she stood there listening to her mother. She didn’t know what to say, she stood there disbelieving her ears. Her father wanted her to do this? She asked herself, oh but he wasn’t her real father and she, she the woman who raised her wasn’t her natural mother. Her real mother was an American back in the United States. This was the dilemma she faced in 1951. Muthoni walked over to this little twelve year old girl and she whispered You are my baby girl, remember that.

That woman back in the United States didn’t deserve a fine baby girl like yourself.

But, but you’re not my mother. Tzonia whispered.

I’ve known you all your life, I’ve been the one there for you you are my daughter Tzonia, you are African.

I am an American. She whispered with tears in her eyes. Her mother stood there looking at her without another word. This was a powerful earth shaking sting to Tzonia. Who was she really? And why was Muthoni telling her this now? She didn’t know what she was going to do with this information, she couldn’t get up and go to America a place she knew nothing about. She had no way of finding her real parents and would they want her now? This was very painful to Tzonia she felt she was being held as a prisoner. She was at a lost, and she didn’t know where to turn. That following morning her father found her packing to leave and he said. Getting ready to go?

Chapter 2

Yes sir. She answered in a quiet tone of voice.

Tzonia I asked your mother to come in and talk to you about your birth.

To lay everything out there for you to do with it as you please.

She kidnapped me. She said in a low tone of voice.

Tzonia, she’s still your mother and she loves you dearly.

He pointed out She is asking me to sleep with whoever in that palace.

I asked her to ask you. He admitted. Look this is a great deal your kids won’t have to want for anything for the rest of their lives.

By betraying their country? Tzonia asked.

The things this country don’t have we can make up for it.

He said in a low voice. Honey I’m a business man and business men makes deals.

And some becomes very rich men.

And it all starts with me sleeping with that very wealthy business man, Roy Fulton, right? She asked in anger.

If he ask. Nikitenko said in a gentle tone of voice. Tears filled her eyes to her this was one big horrible nightmare. Nikitenko drove her that day back to the palace where her friends was, she found Lerato Dlamini in bed. She rushed over to her and asked.

What happened to you?

Tzonia, I, I did something I shouldn’t have for the head of our Government.

You slept with a grown man? Tzonia asked and tears came from the girl’s eyes and she whispered.

Tzonia it was very painful, it hurts so bad! Tzonia walked over to a chair and sat down and in a low tone of voice she said.

That’s the real reason we are here Lerato, we are prostitutes for our Government.

I don’t want to be a prostitute for our Government Tzonia! "I know that wasn’t my father’s intensions Lerato said in a crying tone.

There is nothing we can do about this! Tzonia spoke sharply.

And who told you about it? Lerato asked in a weak tone of voice.

My mother. She answered in a low tone of voice. Lerato looked surprised as she looked at Tzonia who looked sick. She whispered. Is everyone here is here for that reason?

Lerato, I don’t know. She answered in a low tone of voice.

I was born and my mother I loved my mother she was a dear woman.

She worked in medicine and I was proud, now I find out she wasn’t my natural mother that she kidnapped me as a child. I, I hate the way I’m feeling Lerato.

She, she kidnapped you? Lerato asked curiously.

Yes, that’s the story she’s telling me now. Tzonia said in a gentle tone.

Lerato I love my mother she is the only mother I know.

Well did she say why she did this? Lerato asked curiously.

Yes, yes she lost her little girl while in the United States. Tzonia answered.

She was in the United States?

She got up and walked around the room, her heart was hurting and that was evident by the look on her face.

Lerato, there is no way out.

Tzonia, we have to stick together. Lerato informed her. Tzonia had to have somebody there for her, she felt uncertain her so called family that she still loved with all her heart. Was there for her.

That entire week Tzonia worked like a slave working around that kitchen which was run by the Government, she and her little friends Lerato and Manie. One year she got a chance to meet this Roy Fulton the American. He was heavy set he even look like money, his skin was pink like white men were and use to servants, somebody always had to help him with something. He was in his room and he ordered up food for himself. He walked around his room like a giant you can see he was used to his role. General Mundi came up to see him. They were talking over business and Roy Fulton was unmoved in what he expected to gain from a deal there in South Africa. He would hire and put together equipment to start work on building in South Africa. Mundi was impressed with the meeting they were having. Tzonia was fixing up him a place to eat.

Mr. Fulton walked over to her and yelled something she didn’t understand, he opened his pants and forced her to perform oral sex upon him right in this Mundi’s presence, Tzonia couldn’t believe this was happening, and that Mundi, a honored male of Soweto was allowing this to happen. Already this man was buying this country, but what she was made to do was humiliating, it was disgusting. It was heart breaking for Tzonia, she went out for a long walk, suddenly a car pulled up alongside of her. It was Mundi, he ordered her to get in the car. And she did. He pulled off she sat quietly with her head low. And he said in a gentle tone.

I was furious over what I witnessed Tzonia, but our job is to make our guest in this country comfortable. We have dreams for our nation and these people will help in achieving them. You understand?

Sir I was humiliated by this white man! She pointed out. He literally put himself in my mouth!

I know, I know. He said in a gentle tone. But your father is rising with power in this business, and that’s what he wants is to be in the game. Every man who understand the dream for Soweto understands we have to give up something to get something.

I don’t like being used! She said in anger.

And I don’t like it either but it’s a woman’s job to stand behind the male, surely your mom taught you that. He said in a gentle tone of voice.

Tzonia there is something in this for you and your family.

Tears fell from her eyes; she was sick over the thought of this white man’s penis in her mouth. She had him to drop her off at a church, and she went there with the intentions to pray for her sins.

Once back to her room Lerato was preparing dinner, she saw the sick look in her eyes, and Tzonia explained what happened to her. Lerato sat down near her and she said in a gentle tone of voice.

Hey, let’s eat and try not to think about the things that’s impressed upon us.

Lerato I feel dirty.

Of course, you do, but what choice do we have? Lerato asked in a tender tone of voice. Obviously our parents are making us do this or something horrible will happen. Well, Tzonia I would like to live on top of the world for a change.

Sure this is horrible but what can we do? We are powerless.

Tears came to her eyes when she thought of what this White man was able to do, but it wasn’t alright. It wasn’t.

Before Roy Fulton left Soweto, he asked for Tzonia to