As a proud member of the Venda ethnic group, I have been shaped by a rich tapestry of cultural teachings and beliefs. Today I would like to share two endogenous teaching that have significantly influenced my worldview. 

1. RESPECT FOR NATURE AND ANCESTORS

One of the most profound teachings in Venda culture is the deep respect for nature and our ancestors. We believe that our ancestor`s spirits reside in the natural world around us- in the rivers, mountains and forests. This belief instills in us a profound respect for the environment. We are taught to live harmoniously with nature, understanding that our actions can impact the spiritual realm. This belief has shaped my worldview by making me more conscious of my actions and their impact on the environment.

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

The second teaching that has shaped my worldview is the importance of community. In Venda culture we have a  saying," Muthu ndi muthu nga vhanwe " which translates to " a person is a person through others". This encapsulates the belief that our identity is intertwined with our community. We are taught to value cooperation, mutual respect and unity. This has shaped my worldview by emphasizing the importance of relationships and community engagement. It has taught me to value the collective over the individual, understanding that our strength lies in unity.

These two teachings, respect for nature and ancestors and the power of community have not only shaped my worldview but also guided my actions and decisions. They serve as a compass, guiding me through life`s journey. As I navigate through life i carry these teachings with me, proud of my Venda heritage and the wisdom it imparts.

In the energetic pace of south African society, networks and kinship and exchange play a crucial role in shaping our lives. As an individual deeply rooted in this context, I find my life interwoven with these networks, each thread representing a relationship, an exchange and a memory.

My primary network is my family, the cornerstone of my kinship system. This includes my immediate family- parents, siblings-and extends to aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. Each member holds a unique place in my heart and life, their roles varying from mentors and confidants to friends and guides. Our relationships are nurtured through shared experiences, mutual support and the unspoken bond of blood ties.

Beyond my family, my network expands to include my friends and classmates. These relationships, though not by blood are no less significant. Friends from school and university, Neighbours from my community and classmates from university-all form integral parts of my social network. The exchanges within this network are diverse, ranging from shared knowledge and experiences to emotional support and companionship.

In the South African context, the concept of "ubuntu"- the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity- is deeply ingrained in our interactions. This philosophy manifests itself in my networks through the acts of kindness, support and communal living. for instance, during festive seasons, we come together as a community sharing meals and stories, reinforcing our bonds.

Moreover, my professional network plays a role in my career development. It includes mentors who guide me, peers who challenge me and seniors who inspire me. The exchanges here are often knowledge-based involving sharing of skills, advice and opportunities. However, it is important to note that these networks are not static. They evolve, expand and sometimes contracts. Relationships change, new ones form, old ones fade. But each interaction leaves an indelible mark, shaping me as an individual.

In conclusion, my networks of kinship and exchange are a reflection of my journey, my experiences, and my identity. They are a testament to the south African spirit of "ubuntu" reminding me that I am because we are. As I navigate through life, these networks serve as my compass, guiding me, supporting me and enriching my life in countless ways

In the vibrant medley of my existence, each day unfolds like a multicolored, aesthetic painting. Let me paint you a picture of my colorful journey in a day.

MORNING SYMPHONY

As dawn tiptoes across the sky, I wake to the soft serenade of birds. Their melodies wave through my dreams, slowly walking me into consciousness. The sun paints the horizon and I stretch my arms towards the warmth. As I make my way to the shower, I start imagining how my day would go about and as soon as I step into the shower, I indulge in the cold water that makes me feel like I have a thousand needles prickling my skin and this coldness awakens me every time. Breakfast dances on my tongue, a medley of flavor: a well-cooked bowl of oats with a dash of ruby red strawberries in the side with a little addition of buttery croissants, and each bite is a burst of joy.

SCHOOL PALATTE

As I wait for my shuttle to come pick me up, my canvas transforms into a worksheet and I start thinking about the color shift cool blues for analytical tasks, fiery reds for urgent assignment deadlines like this piece and soothing greens for creative exploration. As soon as I am at campus, before my classes I give myself the time to fit in the school environment by taking a stroll with my friends by the small ponds. I feel rejuvenated whenever I take a break with my girls. I enjoy the sage wisdom of my friends and their playful banter and also the occasionally storm gray of our academic challenges. As soon as I walk into class the atmosphere becomes tense and heavy and I start to fit in and squeeze myself together within my fellow classmates.

LUNCHTIME MOSAIC

Lunchtime arrives and mostly I take pleasure in having lunch with my intimate cycle of friends, we fill our plates with a rainbow salad with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes and sunshine yellow peppers sitting besides a bowl of curry and its spices add pigment on our plates. conversations blend colors too as laughter paints the room while serious conversations also add depth.

AFTERNOON INTERLUDE

As the sun arcs higher, casting dappled shadows, immediately after my lectures I step outside where flowers bloom in every shade: lavender, coral and azure. Their fragrances mingle straight to my nose creating an all factory symphony. I catch the cold, cooling breeze by the ponds as I watch the ecosystem connect with my body while I wait for my shuttle to take me back to my room.

EVENING OVERTURE

Sunset ignites the sky, a crescendo of pinks, purples and golds I sip green tea in the comfort of my room, its warmth is like a comforting embrace. As soon as am done I indulge in my book beckon which is a library of adventures. I lose myself in prose, my mind painting scenes that are more vivid than any canvas.

NIGHTIME SONATE

Stars twinkle and I trace my eyes imagining stories etched in stardust. As soon as i start dreaming that's when I know that my day blended well and i call it a night

Wainaina wrote this satirical analysis in 2005 where he describes the way in which western people describe Africa, African people and their experiences there. The focus of this piece is to point how western people exploit Africa in their writing. Different ways in which Wainaina explained how the western write about Africa include:

STEREOTYPED WORD CHOICES

The introductory paragraph of "how to write about Africa" mentions words that most westerners use to describe Africa. These are words like: Gorillas, safari, darkness, tribal etc. and many of these words make Africa to sound outdated and old fashioned. These words also focus on landscape and in ethnic group by outlining how mountainous and jungle-like Africa is.

STEREOTYPES AND GENERALISATION

Westerners treat Africa as if it were a single country while they ignore its diversity of fifty four countries and over 900 million people. Africa is represented as this hot and dusty place that is filled with thin , tall and hungry people. Wainaina says rice, beef and wheat must never be mentioned but instead wierd African cuisine consisting of monkey brain, goats and snakes with worms are what we eat. 

EXOTICISATION

Wainaina calls out the tendency of western writers to see or view Africa as uncivilized and exotic compared to the western world. And western writers exoticize African bodies by highlighting that they have big, black lips and rounded buttocks. Western writers also view Africans as rhythmic and athletic and this stereotypes Africa as physical rather than intellectual

CONCLUSION

This piece highlights harmful stereotypes implied by western writers when they write about Africa. And how writers exoticize Africa by focusing on its wilderness and primitive nature instead of being authentic and complex when writing about Africa. Western writers should rather talk about the continent's rich resources and diversity in different tribes and ethnic groups.