Thank you to all those who read various drafts, especially Richard Lee who got me believing I could make a go of writing. Thank you to Zeng, Panashe, Richard Pithouse, Gabi and Eusebius for your generous and extensive comments. Thank you to Bibi and Zukiswa for giving me inspiration and courage. Thank you to Howard Willis, without whom this version of the book would not have been possible, and to Tim for being a steady voice when I was feeling shaky. Thanks to Caroline and John Wood for giving me a (flexible) space and place where I feel welcome and valued at the Centre for Stories. To Ester, thank you for believing in this book before there was even a manuscript. Isobel, your demure badassness constitutes a life goal for me. Thank you for everything. Thank you Branko and Styli for giving me a start. Thanks Gen for accompanying me, for making me think harder and be smarter.
Thank you Gael for your strength and wisdom and accompaniment. Thank you to everyone who animates these pages – the friends and cousins and aunties and uncles and colleagues without whom there would be no stories at all.
A special thank you to Mummy and Daddy. Your contribution to my life and my values is immeasurable. I could not do it justice here and perhaps I will have to write another book about your lives and your wonderful journey. Lindi and Dumi, my big sister and brother who taught me to see the world through bigger eyes, you are in me and with me all the time and your presence through everything has been everything.
Mandla and Zeng, you are my world. You inspire me and make me work harder to impress you. This book is also for you and for your brood of girls and their father Siya.
A special thank you to Baba for instilling in me the discipline and rigour required not simply to write, but to revise and to edit. And whose belief in and respect for me has allowed me to soar. This book is for you too.
Lastly, and most importantly, I owe my biggest debt to you, Simon. This book would not exist were it not for you; were it not for your faith, your love and your determination. You make me a better version of myself than I would have been had we not met. You are the best and daggiest mate I could ever want. Most of all, thank you for bringing me Gabi and Nick and S and E, whom I love with all my heart.