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Hating One From The First Sight

Nyaladzi Lester Kole Literature

Our former headmaster, Mr Dumisani Tsheza once told us that it’s natural to hate someone. He said sometimes you meet somebody first time and you have never talked to him or her and you feel like saying foetsek to that person. Well we laughed and dismissed it as just one of the old man’s many jokes. Many people who know Tsheza especially the former students at Sikhathini knows that he can’t finish a conversation without more than two jokes in it. But for me I always remember this one, wether it was a joke or a philosophical thought I don’t know. 

I’m reminded of it everytime when people hate me without any cause. It comes to my mind whenever I try to please someone and in return I get negative reactions, gossips etc. 

Let me tell you, people can hate you first time seeing you. I remember one day I was lost in Bulawayo around 8PM going to meet my friend at a certain lodge. I then passed near a house which  happened to be having a guard who saw me and beamed a torch directly to me. As someone who grew up in my rural home,  I saw no offense in just going straight to that house and ask for directions. I saw  a saviour in that guard.

The man had a bouncing body fit for a good guard humble and innocent from the first sight. I greeted him and asked directions, he told me he had never heard about that lodge before but I could wait as he would ask his boss inside the house. I waited outside. He went in and came with the boss, the boss was hurrying, dialing the neighbors. He told me to stand up as I was now under arrest. Within some minutes I found myself in a circle of neighbors who were asking me many stupid questions. Some were even threatening to beat me. From the boss I head that the guard told him he found me trying to sneak in using the small gate of their yard. Then if it was so, how could then he leave a thief and go  to summon people? He might be a stupid guard.

The boss started the engine, off they took me to Hillside Police Station. When we arrived, the boss told the police that he had encountered three break-ins in his house and he is sure that it might be me. And on top of it he said cables are being stolen at their place now they brought the suspect who happens to be me. But was I not asking for directions? Was my appearance not showing that I was an innocent person who was lost? Well the police saw that. That was hating at first sight….

Kwanele Khumalo is a poetry writer, novelist & a story teller.

Facebook: Kwanele Khumalo Mntungwa or Mntungwa kaMbulazi Poetry &novels..

kwanelekhumalo@gmail.com

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Nyaladzi Lester Kole

My full name is Nyaladzi Lester Kole, and I come from Plumtree, Zimbabwe. My educational journey began in primary school, where I attended three different institutions: Mlomwe Primary School for my early grades (1 to 3), Nopemano Primary School for my middle years (4 to 6), and culminating at Thekwane Primary School for my final primary year (Grade 7). For secondary education, I continued my studies at Thekwane High School, navigating Forms 1 to 6, where I developed a deeper appreciation for learning and personal growth. Following my secondary education, I pursued higher education at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), where I earned a degree in Media in Publishing Studies and proudly graduated in 2021. Professionally, I've had the privilege of working with a variety of organizations, gaining diverse experiences that have enriched my career. I began my journey at College Press, where I honed my skills as a copy editor. I then took on the role of personal assistant at Nomina Music, developing organizational and communication skills. My passion for storytelling found a home at CURE Children's Hospital of Zimbabwe, where I engaged with children through creative narratives. As a project manager at Vision to Africa, I coordinated efforts to bring impactful projects to fruition before transitioning to my current role at Scrivener as a publisher and writer, where I combine my love for literature and publishing. Beyond my professional life, I consider myself a multifaceted creative. I have explored various artistic avenues, including graphic design, photography, and music production. In the realm of music, I produce under the moniker Stainless Kole, where I express my musical creativity and collaborate with others to create unique sounds.

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