FIRST AND FOREMOST, I want to thank my parents, Dipuo ‘Stalin’ Mahlatsi and Mike ‘Gaddafi’ Maile, for the love and support that you have given me throughout my journey of self-discovery.
To my sisters, Phindile Kunene, Tshepiso Mahlatsi, Thabile Maile, Mpho Mahlatsi, Lebogang Thokoane, Nkhensani Kubayi, Sarah Britten, Amanda Mbali Dlamini and Mamello Ntombela, thank you for believing in me when I had ceased to believe in myself.
To my big brothers, Sthembiso Khanyile, Sandile ‘Saider’ Puti, Sibusiso Maneli, David Maimela, Tembile Yako, Mojalefa Motalane, Magasela Mzobe, Mzwandile Masina, Bomi ‘Bomza’ Mafanya and Ukho Botshiwe, thank you for your loving kindness and never-ending faith in my abilities.
To a team of involuntary mentors, Miranda Strydom, Mukoni Ratshitanga, Mary Metcalfe, Sello Pietersen, Phillip Kganyago, Lumka Oliphant, Nomfanelo Kota and Shane Maja, thank you for never running out of patience with me.
My sincerest gratitude to my editor, Natalie Gillman-Biljon, and my publisher, Thabiso Mahlape, who worked tirelessly to give coherence to my voice.
And, last but not least, a big thank you to you, dear reader, for believing that my story is important enough for you to read.