Author: phumzile qwaqwa

  • Nothing Will Free You Like Being Yourself

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    by

    phumzile qwaqwa
    in

    It’s interesting how most people – myself included – avoid thinking about their own death. Understandably, it’s a dark topic that can drain the mood in any room. Growing up in the village, elders would scold you for mentioning death: “Suthetha ngokufa uyahlola” (Stop talking about death; you’re speaking it into existence). And like the…

  • What Are the Odds You’ll Win, Punter?

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    by

    phumzile qwaqwa
    in

    I first came across gambling at a very young age: in my village on Boxing Day, and even at school. Back then, I didn’t think it was a big deal. Every 26th of December, my village hosted its own version of the Durban July – a horse racing event that drew hundreds from nearby villages.…

  • Don’t Sit Too Close to the TV: You’ll Go Blind

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    by

    phumzile qwaqwa
    in

    The first TV I remember at home was a small, black-and-white Japanese set, about 11 inches wide. I still can’t believe black-and-white TVs and chunky phones with aerials existed in my lifetime, even though I’m still fairly young. It’s amazing how quickly time has moved, and how vivid those memories remain. That little TV had…

  • Why South Africa’s Youth Aren’t Lazy

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    by

    phumzile qwaqwa
    in

    Have you ever been stuck in a routine you didn’t want to be part of? Not influencer skincare routines, but one you dread because you feel like you don’t know what else to do. For eight months, my life was a cycle: wake up, scour job sites, send out applications, and wait. And you know…

  • AI Will Specialise. Humans Shouldn’t.

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    by

    phumzile qwaqwa
    in

    I once read a quote from the late Robert A. Heinlein that changed my perspective. It’s from his 1973 novel Time Enough for Love, spoken by the central figure, Lazarus Long: “A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a…

  • Dying with Money in the Bank but No Memories

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    by

    phumzile qwaqwa
    in

    As I write this, I’m on my way back to South Africa after an amazing road trip to Namibia with some friends.  It was one of those trips I almost said no to because, you know… “budget.” Not that I didn’t have the money, but I felt like it would ruin my carefully planned spending.…

  • Digging your grave with a fork

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    by

    phumzile qwaqwa
    in

    The biggest lie we’ve been sold is that no matter how we are, we’re okay. “You’re just okay, embrace it honey.” Almost doubtful, sweating, panting, you nod anyway. “Yeah? Thanks for reassuring me, friend.” Still, that reassurance doesn’t erase the weight you feel. Personal improvement isn’t wrong. In fact, it’s good for you – but…

  • Why Modern Life Feels Like Rebranded Slavery

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    by

    phumzile qwaqwa
    in

    Growing up, like any kid, I wanted to be successful. Now that I’m older, for some odd reason, I’m not even sure if I am. I’m still a bit shy to say it out loud, but I want to say: “When I grow up, I want to be successful.” But what age would we be…

  • How is this wealth?

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    by

    phumzile qwaqwa
    in

    When I arrived in Cape Town about a decade ago I was truly impressed by the tall buildings, shiny cars and busy streets. But the more I looked, the more I saw something else: people rushing between jobs, counting bills, locking gates. It was nothing like the village I’d left, where we had fewer rands…

  • Solve Your Own Problems

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    by

    phumzile qwaqwa
    in

    I hated mathematics growing up. I’m tempted to write a long list of valid reasons (at least to me) why this was the case. But the honest truth is that I sucked at it. Case closed. I’d surprise myself if I got anything above 30%. Even my mother would look at my report card and…