Tag: influence

I have never been one for beauty pageants, in fact, in took me about five attempts to spell the word ‘pageant’ right. It just was not something I was introduced to as a child. When I met my best friend, that all changed.

“I am a daughter of African soil and I am beautiful.“

Zozibini Tunzi, Miss Universe

I met Bongi when we was were in our first year of high school, and since then most of what I have heard about have been Justin Bieber facts, skin tutorials, Ruby Rose, Billie Eilish, and most importantly, that she wants to be Miss South Africa, and then Miss World (at this point I’m really hoping that I remembered correctly.) And I wouldn’t trade a single second of being in her company for all the money in the world (well maybe I would, then I could take her out to eat sushi and she would forgive me.)

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Upon first meeting Bongi, it became clear that she was someone people loved being around. We had first become close when we were both cast in The oyster and the pearl as part of one of our school plays. Unfortunately, the play was a wreck, and we all knew it, but that never stopped Bongi from acting the fool and bringing a smile to everyone’s faces, just as she always had. She even had us all dancing the waltz in one of our rehearsals (probably why the play was so awful.)

We became quite close for some time, then, through no fault of my own (I may have liked the boy she liked) we stopped speaking until a year later when she was holding auditions for one of her plays. Needless to say, she made me really work for that part! It payed off though, we came 2nd that year at plays festival. That was the first of many victories we would see together.

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We directed a few more plays, broke a few hearts, had our hearts broken, and most importantly, I think, found our sister, Hannah. I don’t think the three of us would have made it through high school without each other. Together, the two of them raised hell to say the least. I heard stories about how they were always talking in Afrikaans class (more like yelling because Bongi loved to hit Hannah’s legs and watch as she tried not to retaliate in front of poor Mr Du Preez who definitely had not done anything to deserve the hell of having those two together in his class.) Hannah used to get Bongi back by making funny noises right next to Bongi’s ears. All in all it was a never ending cycle.

The three of us were inseparable, I’m sure that it would even have been difficult for someone to think of one of us without thinking of the other two. And Bongi held us together. She offered our little trio a place within her heart that we could call home. She loved us so much, she even shared her food with us (she is very protective of her food.) Bongi is particularly well known (within our friend group) for making the best EVER sandwiches. I kid you not, she could have a fall back career as a chef (unless you hurt her feelings, she is one of those people that is probably inclined to spit in peoples’ food should they offend her.)

Jokes aside, Bongisisiwe Mbukwase Ndumela is one of the most outstanding individuals I have the great privilege of knowing. She is an inspiration and touches so many hearts. She is a true Xhosa queen, and definitely a beautiful daughter of African soil. My opinion is biased though (and this walk down memory lane is making me tear up) so here are a few more opinions.

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WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT BONGI?

“Her resilience and strength.” – Assante

“She was like a big sister to me. For our final exams she spent hours rehearsing a piece that was a few minutes long with me, just so I could get a few extra marks. She always had time for me. That’s unconditional love.” – Immaculate

“Her laugh and her smile” – Glorious

“The nails of her toes.” – Ali

” Her honesty. Or her lips, whichever is best for the ego.” – Dillon

“She is such a loving person and checked up on me when I really needed it, I didn’t tell her how that touched my heart. Also, she is beautiful, we won’t lie, we can’t lie, she is beautiful.” – Brighton

“Bongi herself is my favourite thing. I can’t pick one thing that stands out because she, herself, stands out.” – Yamilah

“How passionate she is about her goals.” – Selisha

“How she always makes me laugh.” – Lwazi

“She looks good in everything and she is going to be Miss Multiverse one day.” – Malikah

“Just the fact that she’s Bongi, everything about her.” – Alfred

“Her ability to walk into a room and fill it with energy and joy immediately.” – Hannah

Dearest Bongi,

I hope that when you read this you see that you have made an impact on so many lives. Mostly I hope that you can see you are never forgotten and that you are loved, unconditionally. I’m sure everyone can agree, that we are sad we can’t share this beautiful day with you, rest assured, we will see you soon and you are never out of our hearts or our prayers. May God grant you many more beautiful days.

We love you Bongisisiwe Mbukwase Ndumela. Keep shining Xhosa queen.

Happy Birthday!

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@bongisisiwe.n

Thank you does not suffice.

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