Thando's Vanity

Her beauty was admired by everyone, but a special gift helped Thando realise its true meaning.

- Zanele Nondzimba

THANDO was blessed with extraordinary beauty. 

Villagers travelled from far and wide to catch a glimpse of her angelic face. They claimed her bright smile would make even the moon envious.

Her mother, Zodwa, had wanted a baby for a long time but doctors had told her it wasn’t possible. So when she discovered she was pregnant, Zodwa promised the gods she’d raise a kind, gentle and obedi­ ent child who would make her mark on the world.

During Than do’s childhood Zodwa stayed true to her promise. When she played with children from the village, Than do would ensure no child was excluded. She enchanted them with fantastic stories of castles, dragons and princesses.

Everyone was charmed by her gentle spirit, but most of all they were drawn to her beauty. Somehow, the sun seemed to shine more brightly wherever she was and people felt happier in her presence, surrounded by love and laughter.

The years went by and when Than do turned 18 her beauty continued to flour­ish. Her long braids were black as night, her large almond­shaped eyes were the colour of rich soil, and her caramel skin was as flawless and smooth as silk.

All the men in the village were keen for her attention. They flattered her, show­ered her with endless praise and presents, and proposed marriage.

Than do became accustomed to being told she was beautiful and that she was a gift from the gods.

One day a suitor brought Than do a large offering wrapped in colourful paper.She swiftly unravelled the parcel and discovered a full­length mirror. She’d never owned a mirror before and quickly became mesmerised by it.

For hours she’d gaze at her own reflec­tion and soon understood what everyone had been saying all these years was true – she was indeed beautiful.