Polish | South African

Photo credit: Provided by subject

My Mum is Polish, and Dad is South African. My African side involves lots of dancing and singing. I connect to my Polish side through traditional dishes. 

Last year in September my South African family had a big family gathering, it was called ‘imbeleko’. My step-sister, brother, Mum and I were introduced to my ancestors. We all had an animal to sacrifice, the following day they took me and my siblings aside and made tiny cuts on our faces and covered our faces in clay. I had 2 bangles made of goatskin and I had to wear it for a few months, the bangle it’s called ‘spandla’, this was how I connected with the dead. I like the African culture because it is colorful and very vibrant, the Polish side is much simpler. We are only people of color on my Mother side, but everyone is always welcoming, and I have never experienced any discrimination against me and my brother.

I asked my Mom when she started dating Daddy was there ever a time that she was worried that her family wouldn’t accept your African boyfriend. My Mum said she didn’t worry about that, she knew that he was the one for me and eventually everyone would see that. She made decisions for herself and didn’t seek approval from others on her relationships. 

I like the fact I am unique, being part of two very different worlds. When I was living in the UK I didn’t fit in with my friends, they had long straight hair and I always wanted mine to be like theirs. My Mom would always tell me that I am beautiful the way I am. When I moved to South Africa my hair was still different, most girls had their hair chemically relaxed. When I have my hair down people compliment me a lot, some even ask if it is real. Or if they can touch it. I don’t mind it because I am the stepping stone for the next generation of mixed-race girls, I’m trying to make their lives easier. People must be educated about it. 

When I’m older I’d like to be an animator or a graphic designer, I enjoy art. My hobbies are painting, sketching.