LIFE AS A XHOSA GIRL FROM EASTERN CAPE IN CAPE TOWN
Back home in Qonce, life is rooted on old customs. Family, community, and culture
are particularly important to everyone. IsiXhosa is spoken in most parts of Eastern
Cape, while some areas, like Port St. Johns and Flagstaff speak isiMpondo. There is
comfort in being with familiar people, greeting like we have known one another for
years whereas we are just strangers. The meals shared during family ceremonies,
seeing relatives that we last saw ages ago, and even the strangers on the street that
decided to join in on the celebration, which is what makes Eastern Cape what it is.
Cape Town, however, brings a completely different vibe. The nightlife, bright lights,
cars up and down the roads, it forces one to get out of their comfort zone. A big
place like Cape Town needs a person that is focused on their goals because it is to
lose focus. For me it was a terrifying experience at first, but I quickly adapted with
the help from family. I got to see people of diverse cultures and races, something
that you do not get to experience in Eastern Cape.
This city offers many opportunities for young person like me compared to Eastern
Cape, which is one of the reasons I chose it, but there are also some disadvantages
to being in Cape Town. The cost of living is extremely high, especially for a student
on a budget, it is hard to adjust to that coming from Eastern Cape where things for
students are manageable. One of the things I miss about Eastern Cape sometimes
is the way things are done, culturally I mean. Attending a traditional ceremony here
is so different from attending one back home. The way things are done in Cape Town
is modern, more like accommodating being in a big city or township.
In Cape Town, being a Xhosa girl means being proud of your culture. Even when
people expect me to speak English, I speak isiXhosa. Even though I moved to the
city, I keep our traditions and remember that ubuntu is still important. In a busy place
where it is easy to feel lost, my culture helps me stay strong and rooted.
In conclusion, I have learned that growing up does not mean losing touch with your
heritage as a Xhosa girl from Qonce who now resides in Cape Town. My hopes keep
me going, and my background keeps me steady. Qonce, the place that shaped who I
am, will always feel like home, no matter where I go.