Fred Khumalo writes for the same paper as Mr Donaldson but bra Fred does a whole lot more than write. The reader will notice a far more tolerant tone in this piece compared to that about Mr Donaldson for the simple reason that unlike the latter african, bra Fred has an uncle who carries an okapi and is reportedly not scared to use it. I must however ask bra Fred to go a little easy on those who think and act differently to the way he thinks and acts.
Bra Fred, in his weekly column in the Sunday Times, a week or so ago, expressed his undisguised contempt for women who choose to have a double-barrelled surname. I could not believe that was coming from bra Fred as I did not believe his other previous piece on Somisi Mhlongo, one flamboyant choreographer (occupational hazard I would have thought bra Fred would have accepted). Otherwise, bra Fred like his fellow african Mr Donaldson write beautifully.
About double-barrelled surnames - is it not the case that as with everyone of us there is a question of who a woman with a double-barrelled surname is and there is a further question of what she chooses to be called? A case in point is bra Fred himself. He is on record saying that although he has another name, Vusi, which he chooses not to use for fear (among other reasons) of being mistaken for the other Vusi Khumalo whose current address is Block C, Diepkloof prison. Apparently there are a few of such Vusis.
Now if bra Fred can choose what he wants to be called which, incidentally does not make him any less Mtungwa, then should the present deputy president of South Africa and the previous deputy minister of health not choose what they want to be called? And this bra Fred is regardless of who they are in the greater scheme of clan affiliations. Not to disrespect your reasoning bra Fred and with the hope that you will be discreet with the content of this note where your uncle is concerned; you would accept I believe that one does not become of this or another clan just because one claims so or calls oneself by a name that suggests such an affiliation. If tomorrow bra Fred, you chose to be called just Fred you would still remain Mtungwa wouldn't you? Similarly she who is born Mtungwa and then marries a Nhlapo, become a Sgegede and so do her children from that union, regardless of what she chooses to call herself. I suspect, but am open to your correction bra Fred that you were named Vusi and then baptised Frederick, but who you are is Mtungwa.
Another thing bra Fred, I am not sure what feminism is and whether men are excluded from membership. I am sure of our history however that prescribed that a woman who enters into marriage shall take the surname of her husband as a matter of course. I am also sure of our present that guarantees our right to call ourselves whatever we choose regardless of our gender. And then there are your readers and your responses to them. You see bra Fred sometimes Madiba means lakes and does not mean that one who is called such will necessarily find it easy to pronounce Xhosa surnames (sic). And since when does being married mean the end of independence and loss of identity.
Other than these few matters of disagreement bra Fred, I have no beef with you and I trust you will be kind to let uncle Enerst know.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment