The Lucky Ones

Originally published in Brittle Paper (March 2020) The first thing Andile did when he discovered the grey pube was pour himself a whiskey. The second thing he did was call Litha. “I have a grey pube,” he said when Litha picked up. “What time is it?” “How can I have a grey pube when I’mContinue reading “The Lucky Ones”

Why Don’t South Africans Read Fiction?

Originally published in The Kalahari Review (June 2018) “Why don’t South Africans read fiction?” Greg says. He presses his fists into his eyes and groans theatrically so Thapelo knows he is joking, sort of. He already regrets saying it. Generalisations are so obviously untrue (not all South Africans, obviously), but how can he speak withoutContinue reading “Why Don’t South Africans Read Fiction?”

Everything’s Political

MarkLives | 3 November 2014 When Vermont legalised same-sex marriage, US ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s celebrated by renaming one of its flavours “Hubby Hubby” with an illustration of two grooms on the tub. A few years later, in support of same-sex marriage in the UK, it changed its “Oh my! Apple pie!” flavourContinue reading “Everything’s Political”

Love in the time of change

Mambaonline | 28 February 2013 Fate has an unhealthy predilection for making us eat our words. Like a toddler trying to assert his authority over his younger brother, Fate has to prove that he knows best and what he says goes. Especially if it’s against your wishes. The world is full of married people who sworeContinue reading “Love in the time of change”