MAGWAZA: BOUND BY BLOOD.

Introduction

18 years ago

Back in the village of Madadeni, the community was angry. A mixture of voices coming together for a cunning cause. They were headed straight to the Magwaza household with the intention of burning it as the father Mvikeli Magwaza had been diagnosed with HIV AIDS which they didn't want the disease to spread around the area.

MaNgcobo was woken up by the commotion and shouting nearby. She took a glance by the window and saw the community gathered together by her gate. She quickly woke her husband Mvikeli

"Magwaza, the community is here. They have fire torches. They want to burn our house. Our boys, Magwaza, " cried out MaNgcobo.

"Calm down, MaNgcobo. Go wake the boys up and get them to a safe place. I will sort out the community. This is all my fault. I will deal with them, " declared Magwaza.

"It's not your fault that you got AIDS baba. Please be careful out there. I still need you, my love, " cried out MaNgcobo.

"I'm not going anywhere, MaNgcobo omuhle. Now go.Get our boys to safety, " demanded Magwaza.
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Mphikelelo(15) was the oldest of 3 siblings.Ntethelelo(12),Bonginkosi(9)Msizi(4).

Mphikelelo was sleeping quietly when MaNgcobo interrupted his sleep.

"Mphikelelo wake up," whispered MaNgcobo.
Mphikelelo took a while to open his eyes as he was deep in his sleep. The noise outside was getting stronger and louder by night. People shouting "Burn this house,"

His mother stood over him dressed in her night gown, and her face filled with worry.

"Get up. Now! Mphikelelo demanded his mother with a sense of urgency. Mphikelelo forced himself up, confused with the noise from outside.

"Mama, what's happening outside?" Asked Mphikelelo.
"Now is not the time for questions" replied MaNgcobo quickly moving towards a small wardrobe grabbing a large bag and started stuffing things inside with her hands shaking as she tried her best not to fall apart infront of her son.

"Wake your brothers up. Take them to the bus station. You are going to your aunt's house in Joburg, " informed MaNgcobo.

Another loud bang was heard from outside, sounding closer this time, and it made Mphikelelo flinch "Whats that? "Asked Mphikelelo

"They're outside,"she finally told him.
"Who?"asked Mphikelelo.
MaNgcobo turned to her son, placing both hands on his shoulders with a firm grip.

"I don't have time to explain, so i need you to listen carefully to what I'm about to say. You are the eldest. Promise me that you will take care of your brothers no matter what. You boys will stick together. When
you leave here Mphikelelo you do not stop for anything and most importantly you do not look back. I hope you hear me, Mphikelelo, " said MaNgcobo.

Another crash from outside was heard. The constant banging of the gate woke his brothers up.

"Mama, you are coming with us, right?" asked Mphikelelo.
She looked towards the door and then back to her son. For a moment, the fear she had been hiding was clearly visible in her eyes. It pained MaNgcobo to see the fear and worry in her son's eyes, but she had to get them to safety. No matter what.

"I can't. Your father needs me more than you do, " answered MaNgcobo.
"Are you choosing ubaba over your own children. How am I supposed to take care of my brothers when I still need you, mah?" asked an angry Mphikelelo.

"That's not true. I am doing what is best for you, " explained MaNgcobo.
Outside, the community's chants grew louder and more violent.
"Burn it. Burn it down, " repeated the people.

"You have to be strong for your brother's. Now is not the time to fall apart and cry. Here, take this money. It should be enough for all of your bus tickets, " informed MaNgcobo.

"But mama, I'm more strong with you," replied Mphikelelo with tears filling his eyes.

"Mphikelelo, if you stay here, they will take all of you, and I can't let that happen."

A brick crashed into the house. His brothers were fully awake and huddled together in fear.

"Take them and run out the back," instructed MaNgcobo. " Go!! Mphikelelo"

He grabbed his brother's, pulling them away from their corner. They clung to him like gum, confused and terrified. MaNgcobo kissed her boys goodbye, and they ran out using the back door.

"Do not stop and do not look back," his mother's words echoed in hi