Tohlang

Live Music| @Kaizer_Chiefs|Social Runner

[GOD GULUVA @Zweli_Thixo]

Take your time and listen to FreshlyGround “Nomvula”, The depth of emotion carried throughout the song. It always feels like a young girl narrating the story of her life which is what I think Zolani was giving us, taking us back to the devastating moment when she watches the funeral proceedings of her mother, she was too young to fully understand the magnitude of what is happening around her.

One of the lines that shattered me is:

“Zandl’ ezincinci zalahl’ uthuthu eluthuthwini, singasazi nesizathu.”

There is something profoundly heartbreaking about the innocence of a child witnessing death without fully understanding it.

What affected me even more is when she speaks about her father and how he never cried throughout the proceedings:

“Zange alile uyise wam mhla kwakufihlwa umzimba wesithandwa seminyaka.”

I cannot help but wonder whether he was embodying that familiar expectation "Indoda ayikhali" or whether he was simply trying to remain strong for his children. Perhaps he could not allow himself to break down, at least not in front of her. Behind that silence may have been a man grieving the loss of the woman he had loved for years while simultaneously trying to be a father to his children.

The death of a mother is an extraordinarily painful thing, and the emotional weight of this song is something else entirely.

Even the opening line immediately draws you into the tragedy:

“Sondela mhlobo wam, nali bal’ elide apho kwaqala khona inkathazo zozo.”

Essentially, “Come closer, my friend; here follows a long tale of where my troubles began.”

And indeed, it is a long tale.

As the song unfolds, we are taken through the sudden transformation of a young girl’s life after losing her mother. Years later, when one learns about the experiences she has spoken about publicly including her difficult relationship with her stepmother and the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of an extended family member, the song takes on an even heavier meaning. What initially sounds like a story of childhood grief begins to feel like the opening chapter of a much longer and more painful life story.

The tone and musical arrangement of Nomvula complement the narrative beautifully. There is a sadness embedded not only in the lyrics, but also in the way the music carries them. Nothing feels excessive; the arrangement gives the story room to breathe, allowing the listener to sit with the pain.

Yet, amidst all that sadness, what also stands out is her profound love for her father. Before he remarried, he single-handedly raised his daughters:

“Dlamini, abazange bayibona intombazana enje yakhuliswa yindoda.”

There is something incredibly moving about that acknowledgement - a daughter recognising the man who raised her and the sacrifices he made for his children.

And perhaps that is what makes the ending so beautiful. Despite everything she endured, she closes by acknowledging and thanking her parents, with particular appreciation for her father.

“Nomvula” is more than a song. It is a story of loss, childhood, fatherhood, grief, resilience and the complicated journey of growing up after life changes forever. Beautifully written, beautifully arranged, and deeply heartbreaking.

[Portia Moemedi @PortiaMoemedi]

Well if they fire Anele we will boycott all things 947 including their events.

I’m on Anele’s side I’m afraid. Racists get away with way too much in this country.

[Asanda Magaqa @asandamagaqa]

Twitter detectives, your help is needed. Let's trace this man who savagely beat a woman at @CityLodgeHotels Fourways. I'm sharing the video of the alleged perpetrator as shared by Mpho on Facebook. His car has an Eastern Cape number plate.

[Ayarh 🍒 @AyandaYandiey]

Yvonne Chaka Chaka was so proud to see it 🥹❤️ She even said they deserve the prize!

[Makere Thekiso @crossmakere]

Zero lies being told…

Matatiele.

[Siwela ™ Masoga @Siwela_Masoga]

Many years ago, I had a dream.

Today, I get to walk through it. 🍷

Keep going. Your dream is worth it.

[Thato @Tidoo_Wax]

Part 2.....🥺🥺

[🇿🇦TheGreatDlamini🇿🇦 @Phislash]

Amadoda izinja 😭😭😭

[Masixole @MStotied]

Iyanceda into yoba mdala yazi, because why would be embarrassed by this?

[Cairo Mathebula @Cairo_Mathebula]

Not a chance, her work as Health Minister from 1994 to 1999, is why restaurants have smoking areas and there's no Tobacco advertising on TV. She's contributed a lot.

[Lebogang Maile @LebogangMaile1]

We met with Ms. Oprah Winfrey to discuss the transition of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls’ assets to the Gauteng Department of Education at the end of the 2027 academic year. This transition will ensure that the Academy’s legacy of academic excellence, leadership development, and expanding opportunities through education continues to benefit future generations of learners.

In line with the original partnership agreement, the residential campus will conclude its role following the completion of the 2027 academic year and will be transferred to the Gauteng Department of Education. Current learners will complete their education with uninterrupted support, ensuring a seamless transition while preserving the Academy’s enduring impact.

We commend Ms Winfrey for her commitment, compassion and investment in the education of young South African girls; Her contribution extends far beyond the walls of the academy and will be remembered for years to come.

#GrowingGautengTogether 🇿🇦

[Sipho_Marima @MarimaSipho]

Running is a beautiful sport ♥️ I had so much fun supporting and cheering for runners yesterday 🙂

[Maphanga Mbuso @MBSVUDU]

Amantombazane abiza imali esiyisebenzele kanzima nge love language. 😭😭😭

[Anele Mdoda @Anele]

If you missed last nights episodes or any of the earlier eps from this season, NETFLIX has you covered #MaskedSingerSA

[Tat'uJwarha @kwaNompondwana]

You send someone to go buy some bottle and ice and you are wondering why is he not coming back, kanti u busy udlalisa abatshana 🤣😅
I wonder if he knows if he just sign the permanent contract with them because bazomlinda phaya everyday 🤣😂

[Thabo Innocent Mathebula @mathebulati]

The gentleman wearing the Kaizer Chiefs shirt, Victor, called me today at around 9:00 AM after realizing that him and his friend were trending on social media. We met at Sunnyside Police Station, where he apologized, took full accountability for his actions, and returned my card holder. With the assistance of the police, we calculated the total amount that had been spent through unauthorized transactions, and he reimbursed the full amount by depositing it back into my bank account. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who assisted in raising awareness and sharing the information.

[Relebogile Mabotja @RelebogileM]

Did not know!

[MZulu wa Limpopo @KabeloMohlah02]

Tebza was handed over the R31,900 that the community raised to restore the dignity of the BMW Kempton Park security guard.

[Makere Thekiso @crossmakere]

I did not know Siinaye is his daughter. She makes amazing music.
I discovered her songs through listening to Manana. Who I am a big fan of.

I learn new things everyday. 😂