The Saint in the City of Sin

It’s a cold Thursday evening and after days of begging my fellow res-mate to let me interview her she finally obliges. After receiving a pop-up Gtalk text vigilantly commanding to “get it over and done with”, a sudden feeling of excitement emerges. This is probably because this is the ultimate down-to-earth first year who has not only been aloof, but also very wise in her ways of life. The interest in this amazing young lady grew after months of endless partying, resulting in lost keys and chips, only to have her open the door in very ‘ungodly’ hours. So the question is, how has she managed to stay grounded and simultaneously sane in this crazy life of University?

Bongeka Mazibuko hails from Kwa-Zulu Natal. She is the last born of two children, raised by parents who were exiles in the apartheid struggle and born again at the age of 12 she has dedicated her life to God and His ways. “When I arrived at Rhodes, I was so sure I wouldn’t fall on the way-side of life. My friends and family had warned me of Rhodes’ infamous reputation of wild partying and the extensive and unhealthy drinking habits, but I wanted to prove everyone wrong-that I would not be a Rhodes stereo-type.”

Lying comfortable in her bed, dressed in pyjama’s and a sweater written, “God Saves!” it is clear where this girl stands. Her room is dark with just the desk lamp alight, her notice board is cluttered with photographs of loved ones, biblical quotes and her busy timetable. Her linen is beige and cream, her shelves are adorned with blue precious stones and scented candles and a calming Pure Moods playlist creates a tranquil environment. This is her sanctuary. “I take attention to detail, I hate cluttered spaces and I aim to create an environment that is conducive to my studies, besides I don’t go out much so I might as well make my room as homely as possible.” Bongeka, a first-year BA Law student says she decided to study at Rhodes because she had never been away from home and didn’t want to study in a fast-paced city like Johannesburg and Cape Town never appealed to her. She also wanted the best Law degree in the country and she knew that a Rhodes Law degree would take her places.

So what makes her so aloof and reserved? “I’ve always been different, I spent too much time studying and heading many committees in school that I simply had no time to socialise. My week-ends were dedicated to church youth services and community work.” Bongeka goes on to share her experiences of working in a soup kitchen back home and how rewarding and humbling that was.

Bongeka has earned the reputation of being an “Ice Queen”, but in the last months students have realised she actually is fun and has many stories to tell. She often interrupts with child-like giggles and chuckles as she finds it very interesting that someone would want to hear about her life at Rhodes. “I thought I was the ‘geek’” she regretfully comments, but I make her aware that she in fact is our hero, we have seen her remain herself amidst the chaos of University life. She proudly smiles and goes on to quote her favourite verse whilst pointing to it on her wall, “even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40 v 30-31) A sudden pride emulates from her face as she explains that it hasn’t been easy remaining herself, but gives the credit to her parents and their teachings. “My parents’ words of wisdom constantly linger in my head and their example has been extremely instrumental in my character.” She tells that there were tempting times when people would invite her to Equilibrium or Olde 65 and once even succumbed because she didn’t want to disappoint them. “It was horrible. There were drunk people acting like fools and I just didn’t belong there.” Her face turns gloomy as she reflects on that experience that taught her never to compromise again. “I have parents who are God-fearing who never associated themselves with people that weren’t a good influence.”

Judging by the lifestyles of most Rhodent’s it would seem that there were no other ways of enjoying the Rhodes experience, but Bongeka begs to argue. “ I have established friendships with girls and even guys who don’t go clubbing or drink and we have lots of fun,” she joyfully tells of what they get up to in Grahamstown, “We love movies and we’ve created this ritual of watching one movie a month at Roxbury and we’ve called this ‘Cinema Nouvea’.” We also enjoy the chocolate brownies and Oreo milkshakes they serve at the Red Cafe and Fridays are very exciting when we meet at the SCO (Student Christian Organisation) for reviving praise and worship and sharing of the Word of God.

It appears that Bongeka is having a wonderful experience and after an hour of hearing what she has to say, not only am I deeply evoked at a level of spiritual consciousness, but am proud to see a young lady living an honourable life against the odds of temptation and peer pressure.