as an ex lazy cousin who was a goduka from gauteng. I realized as I grew up and lost family members that the art of building community and being empathetic starts at home.

I used to beat my chest about being lazy and much of that was informed by

us being from gauteng and how we are treated ezilalani. my cousins would literally take every chore and do everything.

I lost a parent and I watched how in our moment of need our entire family and cousins supported us..

cooking for us. checking in. sending money. traveling from different parts of the country. showing up.

and I realized that this life can't be navigated alone and in order to form communities - you labour and put in work

I realized then what my mom and aunt meant when they said "bahambisa izandla" and how sotho people say "matsoho a thlapana".

there is only so much your wealth and class can give and shield you from.
we don't give to get, but rather to say I am here too

giving my small contribution because even that feeds into the greater scheme of things.
I am here ndizo zimasa okanye ubiyoza because that's how communities (in love) work - you hold me up and I do the same.

I worry that we think that our class occupations and money will give us all the community we need. but in as much as wealth helps you navigate so much.
what do you get from being a horrible person because you have money and access. what a sad life for you and your descendants.