Ntate says he wants us to know, because we have always been
so supportive of his family, that his 19 year old son is now a married man.
Ntate says last Friday his son brought home a “young girl –
young like him” who is six months pregnant.
Ntate says “In Lesotho culture we must accept this or pay
six cows. So we will accept
because where will we get six cows?”
Ntate says there is still a plan for both of them to return
to school – maybe next year if he can gather the money for the fees.
Ntate says he is the only member of his family (a wife, two
daughters in their 20s, and this son) who has work.
Ntate says, “Thank you for always being behind my family.”
We are speechless.
*Ntate is the word for “sir” or “Mr.” in Sesotho. It’s what you respectfully call an
adult male acquaintance or a respected elder man. You can use it with the person’s first or last name, but it
can also be used by itself.
