Goduka

Professor Nomalungelo Goduka’s spiritual journey began in her mother’s womb. It continued eziko-around the fireplace, in the rondavel, in her village kwaManxeba, South Africa. This is where she was received by warm hands zabazalisikazi-indigenous birth attendants. From infancy to adult life, she was nourished and sustained ngamanz’ eQala river, ampompoza phantsi kweeNtaba zoKhahlamba. This landscape formed the cradle of her childhood dreams, and gave her a sense of gravitas, meaning and purpose in life. Rhythms from the landscape served as magnets that drew her from luxuries she enjoyed for three decades, in the US; back to her humble roots, to follow various spiritual paths to fulfil her childhood dreams, towards her ultimate destiny. Prof. Goduka’s memoir, provides a treasure trove of indigenous knowledge to inspire creativity in aspiring readers and authors, in this and next generations.

Dr. Yolisa Madolo, Senior Lecturer, Dept of African Languages, Walter Sisulu University. South Africa.