Worcester - 20-22 April 2008

We spent our "Bosberaad" at Protea Hotel, in Worcester, in the Western Cape. Worcester is a lovely place, althought is not a popular destination for tourist.

Update on My Maternal Lineage - 9 December 2007

I am in the process of writing a history from my mother's side. She is the only one remaining in the family of 10. My mother remembered so many details today, hence this update – Sunday, 9 Dec 2007.

My maternal grandmother, Hope Ngxolwana, (nee Phuthu “ka uZenani”) died in 1947 when she was 47 years old. She was born in 1900. My maternal grandfather, Eustace Ngxolwana, was about 10 years older than my grandmother – this means that my grandfather was born about 1890. My grandfather died in 1954 at the age of 64.

Hope was light in complexion with soft and curly hair. One wanders if she did not have coloured or white blood in her? This question still needs to be researched further. Hope was a teacher by profession, but she did not have a chance to practice as a teacher because of raising 10 children.

My great grandmother, known to my mother, Buzelwa Mavis Ngxolwana as “uMakhulu” died in 1940 when Buzelwa was 5 years old. My mother does not remember her grandfather – chances are that he passed away before my mother was born.

Nontuthuzelo, Hope’s kid sister, was married to the Zondeki family. Her children were Nomalizo, Kokman, Dideka, Fezeka and Nondumiso. Nontuthuzelo took care of “uMakhulu” because she was sick and she would die in 1940.

Eustace Ngxolwana grew up in a family of 7 children, namely, (1) Eustace (2) Agnes, (3) Mabel, (4) Alma, (5) Malicia – married to an Anglican minister, (6) Nontuthuzelo – the one who cared for “uMakhulu”, and (7) Thandiwe, commonly known or teased as “Nomtrabetso”.

Eustace Ngxolwana’s father, my great grandfather, was a wealthy man. He had cattle and sheep. He had signed a Will before his death. When my great grandfather died, his wealth was distributed thus: 50% to my great grandmother, and the remaining 50% to the rest of the seven children. My grandfather, Eustace Ngxolwana received 15 sheep and 7 cattle. The rest of the hard cash which was stored in the bank was not distributed. It is alleged that Malicia stole it and then shared it with Alma’s son, George.

Alma took her share to Maka’s family where her sister, Nontuthuzelo was married into. It is not known what became of her wealth. Her son, George, died after being knocked and dragged by truck while riding a motorbike.

Eustace Ngxolowana went to an Adventist School known as Qhamana, at Pedi, in Nqushwa. He had gone there to train as a pastor, but it is reported that he seduced a lady, and had to be discontinued from his ministerial studies. He then trained as a builder (bricklaying, plumbing, carpentry, etc.)

Eustace would work in Cape Town for many years, and would see his family after two years. Eustace died in 1954 after a short illness stemming from an encounter with Group Areas’ Act. He had visited his son in East London, and the place was raided, and they were harassed and beaten up by the police. Eustace would be hurt by that incidence, and he shortly died of a broken heart and some health complications from injuries sustained from the police. He had instructed his family to slaughter a cow three days after his death. The name of the cow was Hertzorg. Hertzorg was not slaughtered because for the reason that it was felt that the cow could be used for cultivating the soil for plowing.

Eustace Ngxolwana beget 10 children, namely, (1) Darling (nee Mafongozi), (2) George, (3) Wanana, (4) Nmkhangiso who passed away quite early, (5) Zama, (6) Welile, (7) Siziwe, (8) Buzelwa – my mother, (9) Thobeka, and (10) Nomgcobo who passed away in August 2006. All of Eustace Ngxolwana’s children have passed away, and the remaining one is Buzelwa Mavis Letseli (nee Ngxolwana). My mother, Buzelwa who is now 72 years old, was born on 30 December 2007. .

Bonding sessions with my mother, 23 July 2007

Last month I attended an APHHS (Adventist Professional Health and Humanitarian Services) & Vista Boards, and I took an opportunity to enjoy the luxury and privilege of bonding with my mother. I count it a blessings that I still have time to bond with my mother, because I have learned that mothers are very much temporal. I need to enjoy my mother while time last.

My mother is 72 years old and she is still fun and sharp. My wife, Dudu, lost her mother and the funeral was on the 1 July 2007, and the rest of the family is still dealing with the loss of the mother.

My 10 year old daughter, Teboho, shared a smile with me.

Hong Kong Adventist Hospital - 17 March 2007

A group of missionary, together with an input from physicians, conceived a vision of establishing a medical missionary work in Hong Kong. An Adventist Hospital was built in 1974, and today the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital is one of the prestigious hospitals in Hong Kong. The hospital is currently under expansion.

I also learned of an intersting story (or myth). People in Hong Kong, including mainland China, do not like the number four (4). Apparently, in their language, the number 4 is pronounced closely with "death." This means that their high buildings do not have the 4th floor because it is a number of bad luck (similar to number 13).

The sun had just set, and Hong Kong was coming alive. From the 7th floor of Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, I saw beautiful buildings enfogged.

Hong Kong Flower Park/Mall - 18 March 2007

Hong Kong has beautiful flower market & park - indegenous & important flowers. People visit this place to buy and take pictures. I saw some South African flowers. An African has also developed an interest in flowers.

Hong Kong "British rail buses" - 18 March 2007

These trains show that the British government had been around. I had a privilege of travelling by that bus. I must say that Hong Kong transport system is highly developed and efficient.

Hong Kong City from the Peak - 17 March 2007

I could not see Hong Kong city from the highest peack because it was very foggy and drizzling. From time-to-time the fog would lift and we would catch at least a glimpse of Hong Kong City. There is a harbour a little further on the left, but it is eclipsed by the fog. Even within the fog, Hong Kong is a beautiful city. You need to see it in order to believe it.

Trip to Hong Kong Adventist College, Hong Kong, 11-23 March 2007

I am currently attending an "Integration of Faith & Learning Conference" - hosted and funded by a division of General Conference SDA Church's Education Department.

The purpose of the conference is to get every participant to write a 15-20 pages paper/essay towards the development of and contributing towards An Adventist Teachers Resources' 35th Volume. This volume will be published very soon. Hong Kong is a different place - high scrapers residential buildings, very much congested and densely populated. I have cautioned that Hong Kong is the most populated densely city in the world.

I need to mention that the weather has been so gloomy, foggy, and at some point drizzling a little, but not cold. It was interesting for me to learn that university and college students wear a school uniform. I still need to check if it is true that all universities in Hong Kong require uniform for their students.

We will be going out on an excursion on Sunday (18 March 2007), and I am looking forward to the trip. It appears that we will be using a cruise. I saw what is considered the longest bridge connecting Hong Kong with other surburbs. Hong Kong is an island, and it is connected by a bridge on the sea - a bridge that is suspended on the air, and trains use the second or lower level of the same bridge. In general, Hong Kong is a beautiful city, and it is even nicer if viewed at night.

Christmas Eve... Circumcisition / Initiation Ceremony... 24 December 2006

Yesterday, 24 December 2006, we honoured an invitation to attend a ceremony where one of our kids had just come back from the initiation school. It was interesting to listen to men counselling and giving the newly initiate some words of wisdom. What fascinated me was that it was done by an Adventist family.

I just experienced a dialogue between Adventism and one of the African practice of circumsion, and it was good to see and experience that practice. Men and women read from the Bible - instructing the initiate that he should behave like men - avoid embarrasing men in the community, and the issues of treating women with respect were emphasized. It was good...

Christmas Day... Connected with my significance ones... 25 December 2006

Today is Christmas and I v'e called my significant others (my Mum and my sister, Tselane, in Boksburg, and then spoke to my brother, Ayo, in Durban, together with my kid sister, Ntshadi. We have been praying for Thobeka Nkuna, I spoke at length with her, and she mentioned that her health has deteriorated, but God is still sustaining her life because she is able to bear her pains with a smile.

She is able to do whatever she wants to do, and she is so thankful to God for life seeing that those who suffer from the same sickness have since passed away. Thobeka's life is a miracle to us and to her family. God is answering our prayers.

My Cycling Life - 13 December 2006

I have just joined a cycling lifestyle, and I am beginning to see and experience a change in my body. I've just lost 5kg in four weeks, and I attribute this to cycling. I hope to continue loosing wait from 82kg to 75kg.

50th Wedding Anniversary - Silas & Thoko Motea - 10 Dec 2006

My family & I had quite an encouraging weekend. We went to Mapela Village, Limpopo Province, to officiate in a renewal of vows after 50 years between Silas & Thoko Motea. It was a touching ceremony because many marriages end in divorce or separation.

 

Silas has just turned 80, and Thoko is 67, and they had five kids (one passed away), and several grand and great grand children. After the normal preliminaries, I requested the bride-groom to kiss the bride, and grand children and great children were so happy and they demanded the couple to do it again. It appears that the current record-breaking wedding anniversary stands at 72.

 

Silas and Thoko have been following a vegetarian lifestyle for the rest of their lives, and it appears to be paying good dividends of longevity. There is a link between long life & diet. The same is true with a link between diseases and diet.

 

In spite of the fact that Satan is all out to destroy marriages, God is still in the business of saving our marriages - if we allow Him to do so. As mentioned earlier, we will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary 7 - 12 January 2007. We will be renewing our vows in one of the Mozambique Islands.

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Festive Mood... 3 December 2006

The staff function, together with the farewell services for several of our staff members, have come and gone. We are beginning to slow down a bit - planning for next near. Planning ranges from departmental, courseoutline, changes, new staff or team, to choosing of the lecture halls. In a nutshell, one wanders where the year 2006 had gone to.

 

The year 2007 promises to be what we make it to be. Just like happiness or sadness, the new year (2007) will largely depend upon our choices. In whatever I have decided and chosen to do, I am planning to be happy, industrious, and fruitful in 2007.  I don't think anyone will dare to stop me.

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Graduation Guests - 24-26 Nov 2006

We accommodated Mr Masina, Mandla Matshiyane's uncle from Limpopo Province, and Lindi Jakavula at our house. Last night we entertained the Graduation Guest Speaker, Drs. Garland & Jeanette Dulan from the General Conference of SDA in Washington D.C. We had a relaxed evening robust with discussions ranging from South Africa hosting the General Conference, absence or presence of Africanism in Adventism, customer service in South Africa and other countries, the way campmeetings are arranged and conducted as they relate to deleption of venues that can carry the numbers, to customer service in our airports.

 

We got to know the Dulans better, and incidentally we saw Drs Dulan's daughter speaking on Adventists' Hope Channel. We had a lovely time. We also had Sipho and Khosi Masinga, together with their kids, at our home. We then prayed together before parting ways...

Graduation Weekend - 24-26 November 2006

We had quite a dynamic graduation. Friday Consencration service kicked off with a charge from Prof. Campbell from University of Port Elizabeth. Prior to Friday Consencration Service students were invited to give flowers to significant persons in their lives. I received 5 flowers from students (Mandla, Majola, Daniel, Veli, and ?) and this touched my heart. The Sabbath School and the Worship Service were also quite inspiring. Pastor Mpofu from Botswana preached on Hebrews, and the Sabbath School concentrated on experiences of students in their pilgrimage a Helderberg College.

 

Today we will be participating in the Graduation Commencement, and this will be the climax of the graduation ceremony.

The Storm has passed, but brazing myself for another one...

There is relative peace after the stormy weeks. The exams have passed; markings and allocation of grades completed; the second semester 2006 has come and gone; I am now brazing myself for First Semester 2007. I need to plan for a course I will be offering, three days orientation of new students, contact speakers for next year (Drug Awareness Week & HIV/AIDS Emphasis Week respectively), plan for Community Engagement, etc [the list is endless, and I need more than 24 hours].

 

Our trip to the Mocambique Island is in place, and we can't wait to experience it. Looking back, God has been with me. It was a tremendous change for me - change ranging from new assignment, relocating, lecturing, adapting, to making peace with a new province. I realise that I am still battling with the map of Cape Town. I still need to familiarise myself with so many surburbs in Cape Town. Well, one day at a time.

 

For my Devotions, I've started reading the Book of Daniel, and it sounds new to me. I am planning to enhance my spiritual and physical life. I have joined a cycling team, and I need to purchase a bike.

Rainy Sabbath - 4 November

It is raining this morning. It is going to be a lovely Sabbath, and accompanied by showers of blessing. We had good rains this year in the Western Cape, and we hope and pray that it continues to rain to benefit the farmers and increase the level of our dams and rivers. My daughter has a company, and she is so excited. On Thursday evening (2 November 2006) we attanded Faculty of Theology Banquet, and it was also coupled with the farewell of Professor J Japp & Mrs P Japp after 32 years of service at Helderberg College.

My mother's 70th Birthday - 18 Dec 2005

Last year (December 2005) my mum, Mavis Letseli, celebrated her 70th birthday, and she was so happy. I am happy because we told here how blessed we are to have been raised by her. My two sisters, Tselane & Ntshadi, were very much instrumental in arranging for the party. My mum was so happy, and she needed to hear how much he means to us.

A Calm, but eventful Week - 3 November 2006

This was a calm, but eventful week. Last night I attend and spoke at a Theology Faculty Banquet, which also included a farewell for Prof. J Japp and Mrs P Japp. Coming to think of it, I attended almost 5 or 6 banquets or farewell parties this week. One looks forward to the Sabbath where one can reconnect with Maker and King.

Eventful Friday & Memories of my Grannies - 27 October 2006

Today my students submitted their research papers, and I hope to have finished marking them by Wednesday of the 1 Nov 2006. We had two interviews this week, and the last one was done today (Friday 27 Oct 2006). One cannot wait for the Sabbath so that one can re-connect with the Maker and Saviour, God.

My mother has not fully recovered from the loss of her kid sister (my aunt Patricia) who passed away in Aug 2006. My mum is the only one remaining in her family, the rest have passed away. My grand mother passed away when my mum was 7 years old, and my grand father passed away when my mum was 9 years old. I did not get to see or meet my grannies on my mother's side.

My grand mother, on my father side, passed away in 2000 after turning 100, and my dad passed away in 2002. My grand father, on my father side, passed away long before I was born.

I hope my mother will soon get well from her loss.