Umkhozi




"Umkhozi" is a true definition of a woman's strength

I normally translate vernacular words to English so all my readers get a feel of what I am talking about but I honestly do not know what umkhozi is in English. I think it’s probably great that there isn't an English word to translate it to because it wouldn't have the same significance. I can however, describe what it is.

Umkhozi is simply a street vendor. Except the only difference with this vendor is that she doesn’t sit at her stall and sell. She walks around with a strong heart in the hope of making enough money for her next meal.
Umkhozi goes around each street carrying a big, heavy, metal dish on her head full of fresh fruit and vegetables so fresh you would swear they have just been picked, calling out loud the word "Mkhozi" for everyone that needs fruits or vegetables. 

"Mkhoziiiiii!“ "Mkhoziiiiii!“ "Mkhoziiiiii!“ Hearing this meant getting a sense of relief because you knew that you would not have to travel all the way to the store to buy fruits or staple foods that your mother sent you to go buy. It meant that even if tomatoes cost R3.00 and you only had R2.00 you would get a discount because of the type of friendship you have with your Mkhozi. Lastly, it meant that because of your support, she would be a few rands away from affording her meal for the night

Umkhozi is a Ndebele word that means friend. However, the umkhozi I am referring to is a strong, black woman. Dressed in traditional garb, with a baby on her back sitting cosily on the top of her bum, wrapped in a rectangular cloth so clumsily yet with no chance of falling off.  On her face, “ikeketsi”, (home-made sunscreen cream) to protect her from sunburn. She walks with pride and confidence. She knows that the heavy weight that she carries on her head and on her back will never bring her down. She is a strong woman.

As the sun sets, she can feel the dish on her head get ligther because she has sold most of her wares. She takes a moment and reaches down her bra. (I’ll admit this is still one of the safest places to keep your money) and takes out her old, wrinkled leather purse and she lightens up because she has made enough for a good meal for her and her family.



" It is not the load that breaks you down, It is the way you carry it"
-Lena Horne 


Here: theGirlDoin'GreatThingz👑

Comments

Unknown said…
Mkhozi pays the bills. I suppose that it's not much of a downer if she doesn't make money from sales because she sells food, the food will be eaten at home. Being able to pay bills and kids' school fees is her goal. One of my high school classmate's mother was a Mkhozi. He was ashamed of her. Thinking back now: I wouldn't mind a mkhozi in the fam because I'm a fan of organic food. My gran has a garden with veges. I'll have the same in my yard and probably sell some if my harvest is too much for the fam.
3 March 2018 at 12:53
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