Sister of Myself: Andrea Nomasebe-abe-Nguni Dondolo
Celebrating the special
beings that I am privileged to meet on my earthly journey gives me immense pleasure. Andrea Dondolo mesmerized me
with her power that emanates from a gentle warm soul, in a video clip for the
One Billion Rising Campaign in 2013. She introduces the clip with the biggest
boldest reverberating AMANDLA which galvanizes people across the globe to get
up and get moving to end violence against women. Little did I know at the time
that Andrea is someone I would actually e-meet and get to know. All I can say
is up close with Andrea is like nothing I could have imagined and I anticipate
that the day we physically meet will be even more magical. This sister of
myself is truly an amazing human being whose compassion, rootedness in the
earth and deep love for abanthu bethu blows me wide open. She is extremely
modest in the interview I did with her so I have added pictures to try to do
justice to the breadth and expanse of her heart and her talents. I love you sis
Andrea! Ndiyabonga MaDondolo, Enguni, nak’sasa lingadinwa!
1-
Tell
us who Andrea Dondolo is, and what her outlook on life is.
Andrea Nomasebe-abe-Nguni Dondolo is a daughter of the soil
whose path in life was willed upon her before birth through her names. Andrea meaning
leading woman, Nomasebe-abe-Nguni meaning one with lots of branches from the
Nguni people, Dondolo meaning a water measuring stick that was used for testing
river depth when Nguni people crossed rivers. My outlook on life is a very
positive and optimistic one especially for Afrika and her children, while
embracing global citizenship in mindset and approach.
2-
Please
tell us about your organization and what inspired you to create it?
Our organization the Khayelitsha Arts, Culture & Heritage Council is a non- profit organization that was
established in 2002. Its main purpose is that of being a cultural guardian and a
catalyst of change using ideas, ideals and principles of performing arts as a
tool for expression and advancement. Through the organization we engage in
social, cultural and gender based awareness activism to facilitate cross
cultural, cross generational and cross gender dialogue, inspiring change.
3-
What
are you hopes for the youth of Khayelitsha and for the youth of South Africa in
general?
My greatest hope for Khayelitsha youth and South Africa in
general is for a youth who have self understanding and whose words begin with
“I” as I believe self reflection inspires consciousness that transcends all external
barriers.
4-You
have an amazing spiritual side to you, please share a bit about this, about
your family and its origins also.
My spirituality runs as deep as the roots of the Acacia
trees of Eastern Cape that I carved themselves into my being as a youngster
sketching a map that always leads my soul home to EC to quench my soul’s
thirst. My paternal grandmother used to sing us praises all the time and for
the most ‘insignificant acts’ then I did not realize she was claiming my spirit
to stay connected with my ancestors and aspire to communicate with the Divine
Creator through the language of the Universe which promotes gratitude and a
higher understanding of our purpose on earth. I love Impepho, crystals, candles
and the sea.
4-
If
you had a message for young women today, what would it be? |
| Andrea of the Acacias |
Self love, self appreciation and self awareness are basic
fundamental values. Give yourself love first and its abundance in you will
spill over all that you touch.
Andrea has a long list of talents! She is a world renowned singer and actress, both stage and screen. |
| sis Andrea draws even the little ones. |
 |
| sis Andrea inspiring young women |
She is an activist working in the community.
