Bantu Knots

​Author: Lebo Mazibuko
Publisher: Kwela books
Reviewer: Hazel Makuzeni
COVID has done us wrong; horribly wrong. It has stolen from us and paralysed our psyche. It is thus quite refreshing and uplifting to read a number of books this year written by black South African women. Bantu Knots is 

one of those books I had the pleasure of reading. The novel revolves around Naledi Kwena. It’s an adolescent tale of growing up in a township and navigating life’s hurdles while pursuing your dreams.
Naledi is born and raised in Zone 2, Ndende Street in Pimville, Soweto. Her mother Dineo had her when she was still a teenager and for the most part of the book, is busy chasing the good life with ama-blessers. Naledi is raised by her grandmother, Norah. A strict Christian woman who hasn’t forgotten nor forgiven her daughter Dineo's past transgressions. This leads to her stern approach in parenting Naledi. To be fair to grandma Norah, Dineo is not pulling her weight around the house. Most times – she’s nowhere to be seen and her relationship with Naledi is non-existent.    
You feel for Naledi right from the start. As a young girl, she’s banned from playing with the other kids from her street. She watches them by the gate and is envious of their freedom. She has only one friend at school and the only person she can have a meaningful talk to in Zone 2 is Karabo, her next door neighbour. Even then, their talk is usually through the wire fence that separates their two homes. The less said about her father Xolani, the better.  He has denied paternity and is demeaning towards her – lowering still further  Naledi’s already fragile self-esteem. On the home front it’s no better. Mama (Naledi calls her grandmother Mama) demands complete obedience – almost suffocating the poor girls independence and imagination. Each and every night she recites Bible verses with Naledi. And is quick to put the fear of God and Hell in the heart of the growing young lady whenever she senses mischievousness. She’s also militant about the household chores that Naledi must fulfil. Mama is definitely not the sentimental type. She will not even say “I love you” to Naledi.
Dineo’s wishes do come true when she finally meets a blesser who ends up marrying her. But not without drama! Naledi gets liberated at university. She takes up drama, makes new friends, parties, falls in love and have sex. Danger lurks around the corner; and she soon discovers that. Dineo’s fairy tale romance crumbles to dust and she moves back home abused and defeated. A sorry state of affairs for a girl who once got a Porsche Cayenne as a wedding gift from her sugar daddy.  She’s now car-less and is back sleeping on the mattress on the floor of Mama’s living room.
Bantu Knots is a book that examines notions of beauty. Why should your worth and status depend on the hue of your skin colour or on whether your hair is relaxed or an Afro? The book also looks at the generational-gap and the importance of finding common ground. It touches on the taboo issue of sex discussions especially in black families. It explores religion, identity, youth, freedom, guilt and redemption. Dineo’s episode is a cautionary tale to the girls pursuing the blesser lifestyle.  ​