Mr. Wilhelm P.

Hango <Extreme Tutorial College>

LOVE CHILD GCINA MHLOPHE

Wee Nomlambo, wee Nomlambo uphuma phi na? Kwaqhamuka wena,
thina savuya vuya sonke ... Nomlambo, Nomlambo where have you
come from? You come here and suddenly we are all so happy...

Once, a long time ago, so long ago that it is not really important to know
exactly how long, there was a very beautiful village called Bhakubha. It was
in a valley between two big forests. The people there had lived in that valley
for hundreds of years, and their communities were bound by one mutual
respect and caring for one another. The rains were always good and the
crops in the fields were very rich. Life in Bhakubha was so wonderful that
people had almost forgotten the meaning of the words hunger and pain. For
every problem, they always had a solution. It seemed as if happiness was
there to stay.

But then it happened one day that a messenger brought news that another
big village, not very far from Bhakubha, was declaring war on them. The
news shocked and devastated everybody, but most of all the chief of
Bhakubha, chief Dumile. He knew the chief of the other village very well.
They were cousins who had grown up together and they still cared a lot for
each other. Now, their people were fighting, and this hurt the old man very
much. He became very ill and no one could tell exactly what was wrong with
him. Many elders said that what he was suffering from was not only pain of
the body, but pain of the heart. He was so ill that he could not even go with
his people as they armed and set off for the battlefield. Suddenly, all the
men were gone from the village of Bhakubha; only Mthunzi stayed behind, a
young man who was entrusted with the task of taking care of the ailing chief
Dumile.

Old women, mothers, children and the boys too young for battle remained in
the village, trying to continue with their lives, trying not to worry too much
about the war. But every day, news came back from the battlefield, telling
the names of the dead and the injured. There was no more joy in Bhakubha.
It seemed as if even the birds were singing sad songs these days. The
children continued with their games, but it was not the same. The happy
noises and songs that had always been a part of their childhood were no
longer heard in the valley. Their mothers tried to reassure them that things
would soon be better; very soon. But the children saw in their mothers' pain
and despair that had never been there before. The old chief Dumile showed
no signs of getting better either; it seemed as if he just wanted to die.

Then, one day, a young girl came into the village of Bhakubha. She was very
beautiful! Her face, her eyes, her smile all had a special loveliness, and there

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was a happy spring to the way she walked. She greeted everyone and told
them her name was Nomlambo, yes, Nomlambo. People simply stared at her,
wondering where she could be from; it had been a long time since they had
seen so much beauty. Her happy, carefree spirit made everyone feel the
same way. The village children came running to be near her. She asked
them where the old women of the village were. They led her to the big round
hut where the old women were sitting, working quietly. They were making
grass mats, baskets, brooms and sieves. Nomlambo greeted them and told
them her name. She asked if she could join them and they agreed. So she
sat down right there and then and started to work. They were all impressed
by the way her hands moved, so fast and neat! Phici phici phici ...

One old woman asked, "Hey, Nomlambo, where did you learn to work so
well? Tell us please, who are your people?"

Nomlambo only smiled and said, "Please, can you pass me some more
grass?"

"But tell us, what river do you drink from, where is your home?" they asked
again.

"I'm very thirsty. Can I have a sip of water to drink, please?" was her only
response.

All of that day, Nomlambo sang and joked with the old women as she
worked away happily. By the end of that day, when she left, still nobody
knew where she had come from. They had certainly fallen in love with her
and they were happy to see her return the next day. All that evening, people
were talking about the beautiful girl, Nomlambo. The village girls were very
jealous of the way she had got along so well with the women. The next
morning when she came, the village girls were waiting for her at the
entrance. "Who does she think she is?" they asked, "coming into our village
like this, winning the hearts of our mothers and grandmothers!"

"We also know how to make those baskets and sieves," said one girl. "Come
on, let's show her!" challenged another.

So the village girls asked their grandmothers to please leave the big round
hut for them so that they could work with Nomlambo. They sat down and
got to work. The competition in that room was unbelievable! There was no
singing or joking like the day before. The mothers and grandmothers peeped
through the door and windows, and they found the whole thing very funny;
one mother said, "Look at our girls, working away like this! I like it;
Nomlambo should come here every day!"

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The old women started to sing, a song they had made up especially for
Nomlambo: "Wee Nomlambo, wee Nomlambo uphuma phi na?
Kwaqhamuka wena, thina savuya vuya sonke ..." The song simply said:

"Nomlambo, Nomlambo where have you come from?

You come here and suddenly we are all so happy..."

But the girls were far from happy. They especially disliked the way
Nomlambo was so quick and good at her work. At the end of the day, when
she left the village, the young boys were waiting to follow her home, to see
where she came from.

"I just love the way she walks; have you seen those lovely legs?" one boy
said. "It's her eyes that get me; those eyes seem to hold far-away secrets,"
said another.

"No, it's the lips that kill me; that smile is like a rising sun that dawns again
and again,” said a third, growing all dreamy.

Then they saw Nomlambo leaving the village. But she was running much too
fast. She outran them as though they were little children. Her feet hardly
seemed to touch the ground as she disappeared in the distance. The boys
came back to the village huffing and puffing. The girls looked at them
crossly and said: "We are here, so why do you have to chase that strange
Nomlambo?" The boys simply grumbled and went to rest for the remainder
of the day.

News travelled all over the village about that beautiful girl, Nomlambo.
Mthunzi, the young man who was taking care of the chief, also heard about
her and was curious to meet her. He sat under a tree at the entrance to the
village early the next morning. He saw her coming and looked the other way.
She walked right past him and he did not even greet her. She stopped and
retraced her steps. "Sawubona, Bhuti," she greeted him, smiling coyly.
"Yebo," Mthunzi greeted back.

"My name is Nomlambo, what's yours?"

"Mthunzi," he said.

"Oh, Mthunzi, that's a lovely name. Can I sit with you?" she asked. So there
they sat, talking and laughing, getting to know one another. That day,
Nomlambo did not go to work in the big round hut, but stayed with
Mthunzi, even for the midday meal. Soon, people were talking, saying all
kinds of things about Nomlambo.

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"Look at her, taking Mthunzi away from his duties. He is supposed to be

taking care of the chief, you know."

"I suspect she is a spy from the other village that is fighting with our people.
Otherwise, why won't she say where her home is?"

"Look at the way everyone seems to fall in love with her the moment they
meet her! There is some witchcraft in this, one way or the other ..."

But the old women saw how happy Mthunzi was with Nomlambo and they
sang their song again:

"Wee Nomlambo, wee Nomlambo uphuma phi na?

Kwaqhamuka wena, thina savuya vuya sonke ..."

When Nomlambo left that afternoon, Mthunzi smiled and said goodbye. He
did not try to follow her.

The next day, Nomlambo did not look for the old women and the big round
hut, she simply went straight to where Mthunzi was waiting for her. They
sat around and talked, took walks together and had a really wonderful day.
At the end of that day, Mthunzi was ready. When Nomlambo said goodbye,
he said: "Let me walk you to that hill over there." When they got to that
point, he said: "Oh, let me walk you to that big tree over there." When they
got to that tree, Mthunzi said: "You know, I just hate to think that you will
walk through this forest alone. Let me walk you through to the other side
and then I'll really have to say goodbye."

But when they got to the other side, Nomlambo knew that Mthunzi was not
planning to let her go. She started to run, just as fast as she could. But
Mthunzi was right there behind her. She ran faster and so did he. After a
long time of running, they came to a big river with a deep pool, where the
water was almost green because of its depth. Nomlambo jumped in -
"Qumbu!" - with the water splashing in every direction. And - "Qumbu!" -
into the water Mthunzi followed. They swam down, down until they got to a
cave under the deep pool. It was dry and they could actually stand. While
Mthunzi was looking around to see where he was, he suddenly heard the
sound of a drum. He looked to see where that sound was coming from.
There were five old women playing a big round drum, with a rhythm and
melody he had never heard before. He was enchanted by their skilled hands
and the whole atmosphere in the cave. He wished so much to play too, and
he wondered if they would let him.

As if they had read his mind, one of them beckoned to Mthunzi to come
forward. He went and sat down with them. Slowly, he picked up the rhythm.

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The more he played, the better his playing became. He played louder and
louder, not wanting to stop, completely taken over by this wonderful new
rhythm; he even closed his eyes. So he did not notice that the old women
had all stood up and left him, until he stopped playing. He hardly had time
to wonder about anything before Nomlambo reappeared from behind a rock.
She had changed into new clothes. She wore a beautiful buckskin skirt, a
bright red beaded necklace and bracelet. She also had chigers - ankle rattles
or shakers - on her feet. Her hair was decorated with beads and shells and
she looked much more beautiful than Mthunzi had ever imagined possible.
He rose to meet her. He was about to touch her hand when the old women
returned, looking very serious this time. One of them was carrying a leather
pouch, which she handed to Mthunzi, saying: "Take this. Inside, there are
roots and herbs. Take them to your ailing chief, boil them up and let him
drink the medicine. He will be better in no time."

"And this drum you have learned to play so well," said another, "take it with
you to the battlefield tonight. Go and stop that war!"

Mthunzi did not waste any time. He thanked the mysterious old women and
took the drum. He was heading for the exit when Nomlambo said, "I'm going
with him."

"And this drum you have learned to play so well," said another, "take it with
you to the battlefield tonight. Go and stop that war!"

Mthunzi did not waste any time. He thanked the mysterious old women and
took the drum. He was heading for the exit when Nomlambo said, "I'm going
with him." The women nodded without surprise. Of course they had known
that was coming. They waved the pair goodbye as they swam up to the top of
the pool.

When Mthunzi and Nomlambo emerged from the water, they saw that the
full moon had come up. It was round and bright, shining in the water like a
giant eye, as if to witness this very important evening. Mthunzi took this as
a sign of good luck.

Nomlambo took Mthunzi's hand and they ran all the way through the forest
and to the village. At the chief's home, they made the medicine for him to
drink. Then Mthunzi left Nomlambo with the old man, asking her to take
special care of him.

He took the big round drum to the battlefield. It was midnight by the time he
got there. He sat down in a spot that seemed to be on neutral ground. He
began to play the drum, slowly at first. Then he played louder and louder,
until that magical rhythm could be heard throughout the countryside. All

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the soldiers woke up. The soldiers from Mthunzi's village shouted: "Did you
hear that drum? Why are those cowards attacking in the middle of the
night? Well, we will show them; Ayihlome! - let us arm ourselves!" They got
ready to fight and defend themselves.

The soldiers from the other side were thinking the same thing. "How dare
they attack in the middle of the night when everyone is sleeping! We will
teach them a lesson, each and every one of them. Such cowards; Ayihlome!"

They set off to fight. But as they got closer and closer to the fighting area,
each group realised that the soldiers from the other side were not the ones
playing the drum. In fact, they could feel that this rhythm was new and
different. Soon, they found themselves moving to the rhythm of the drum.
The longer that the drum played, the more they felt it pounding inside their
hearts. Their spears fell, one after the other, and it did not even matter.
They were moving to the rhythm of the drum. Shields began to fall too and
no one cared. They were moving to the rhythm of the drum. A soldier felt the
touch of another's hand and they held onto each other, as they continued to
dance to the new music. By now, they had formed a large circle of dancing
warriors. They made a marvellous sight under the bright moonlight. They all
kept their eyes fixed on the drum, until Mthunzi stopped playing.

Then the men suddenly started talking to one another noisily, introducing
themselves to those they did not know. "Mfowethu, I do not know you; I am
Zondo, who are you?" "Dlamini? You don't say! My wife is Madlamini."

"And you look so much like the Thabethe people; am I right? He-he, I knew
it!"

And then one of the very respected generals stopped and picked up a shield.
He looked at it and said, "This shield; I could work on. it, wet it for a while
and then I'm sure I can make myself a beautiful drum from it, almost as
magical as the one this young man was playing."

Another picked up a spear and said, "This spear, I could work on it, melt it
and reshape it till it makes a beautiful serving spoon for my mother. I miss
her morning porridge!"

Soon different men were finding different uses for their weapons, and they
all knew that the war had come to an end. Mthunzi, his job done, picked up
the drum, put it on his shoulder and headed back home. He was walking as
fast as he could. His heart was pounding and he was longing to see
Nomlambo again. Now, he was very sure that he loved her with all his heart.
The soldiers from the village said goodbye to their new friends and followed
the young man with the drum.

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When they got back home, there was much ululation and celebration as the
whole village woke up to the most glorious news of all. The war was over!
People got back to their peaceful lives and were glad to see their chief well
again.

From that time on, always in January, when the moon was full, the two
villages came together on the battlefield; not to fight, but to celebrate, to sing
and dance and play many, many drums. Some of the songs they sang were
in praise of Nomlambo, the "love child" as the old women called her.

Needless to say, she and Mthunzi got married and lived a happy life. All
were thankful for the magic drum from the cave under the river - the drum
that had stopped a war.

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Love Child by Gcina Mhlophe – Full Literary Analysis

1. Title Meaning: Love Child

The title Love Child symbolizes a powerful message. Nomlambo, the central
figure, is not just a beautiful girl—she represents love born during a time
of crisis. She arrives mysteriously during a war, and her presence spreads
peace, unity, and joy. The old women even call her “Love Child,” because she
brings emotional healing and helps restore harmony. The title suggests that
love, not violence, is the strongest legacy.

2. Setting

 Place: Bhakubha, a peaceful, fertile village surrounded by forests.

 Time: A long time ago—no specific date is given, making the story feel
timeless, like a folktale.
 Mood: Shifts from joy and harmony, to sadness and despair, and
finally to hope, love, and peace.

3. Plot Summary

➤ Beginning:

Bhakubha is a happy village. People live in harmony and enjoy prosperity.

Then, suddenly, a neighbouring village declares war. Chief Dumile becomes
deeply ill—his illness symbolizing emotional heartbreak. All men go to war,
leaving Mthunzi behind to care for the chief.

➤ Middle:

Nomlambo, a mysterious and beautiful girl, arrives. She brings joy to

everyone she meets. The children love her, the old women admire her skills,
and the boys are fascinated by her beauty. The village girls feel threatened
by her. She forms a bond with Mthunzi. Together, they travel into a magical
underwater cave, where Mthunzi learns to play a powerful drum. The old
women there give him herbs to heal the chief and instruct him to use the
drum to stop the war.

➤ Ending:

Mthunzi plays the drum on the battlefield. Its rhythm enchants both sides.
Soldiers drop their weapons and start dancing together. They talk, laugh,
and make peace. Weapons are turned into tools like drums and spoons. The
war ends. Mthunzi and Nomlambo marry. From that time on, both villages
meet every year to celebrate peace.

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4. Characters

� Nomlambo

 A mysterious young woman whose name means "from the river"

 Brings joy, healing, and peace
 Her origin is never explained—possibly a magical or spiritual figure
 Represents hope, beauty, love, and unity

� Mthunzi

 A caring young man left behind to nurse the sick chief

 Curious, respectful, and courageous
 Learns to play the magical drum that ends the war
 Represents youthful leadership, change, and heroism

� Chief Dumile

 Respected elder who is deeply hurt by the war

 His illness reflects emotional and cultural damage caused by
conflict
 Is healed with the help of traditional knowledge and love

� The Old Women

 Symbolize traditional wisdom, craft, and community care

 Both in the village and in the cave, they guide and empower others
 Represent matriarchal strength in African culture

5. Themes
Theme Explanation
Peace vs War War destroys unity, while peace brings healing. The
story shows how peace can be restored through love and
wisdom.
The Power of The magical drum becomes a tool to unite enemies and
Music stop violence. Music is shown as powerful, emotional,
and healing.
Love and Unity Nomlambo's arrival brings people together. Her
relationship with Mthunzi becomes a symbol of
connection.
Mystery and The story includes magical elements (Nomlambo’s origin,
Magic the underwater cave, the enchanted drum) common in
African folklore.
Transformation Weapons are turned into peaceful tools. People change
their hearts. Conflict turns into celebration.

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6. Symbols

Symbol Meaning
Nomlambo Hope, joy, love, spiritual guidance
Drum Unity, transformation, healing
Water/Cave Rebirth, initiation, hidden knowledge
Weapons into tools Peace and reconciliation
Full moon Enlightenment, harmony, and celebration

7. Style and Structure

 Written in oral tradition style – includes songs, repetition, folktale

rhythm.
 Use of dialogue, song, and visual imagery to tell the story.
 Simple language but deep symbolism.
 A blend of realism and fantasy.

8. Message / Moral

Peace is stronger than war. Music and love can bring healing where conflict
has caused pain. Those who follow wisdom, care, and courage can bring
transformation to their communities.

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Name: _____________________________________ Date: ________________

TEST: Love Child by Gcina Mhlophe – Grade 8 Marks: 20

Part A: Comprehension (10 marks)

1. What is the name of the village where the story begins?

2. What news shocked the people of Bhakubha?

3. Who was left behind to care for Chief Dumile?

4. What effect did Nomlambo have on the old women of the village?

5. Why did the village girls dislike Nomlambo?

6. What did Mthunzi and Nomlambo find under the water?

7. What two things did the old women in the cave give to Mthunzi?

8. How did the soldiers react to the sound of the drum?

9. What did the soldiers do with their weapons after the dance?

10. What yearly tradition began after the war ended?

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Part B: Literary Devices and Themes (5 marks)

Choose the correct literary device used in the quote. Options: Simile,
Personification, Repetition, Metaphor, Imagery

11. “That smile is like a rising sun.” = _______________

12. “Birds were singing sad songs these days.” = _______________
13. “Wee Nomlambo, wee Nomlambo...” = _______________
14. “Her feet hardly seemed to touch the ground.” = _______________
15. “Pain of the heart.” = _______________

Part C: Critical Thinking and Symbolism (5 marks)

16. What does Nomlambo represent in the story?

17. What lesson does the story teach about war?

18. What is the symbolic meaning of the drum?

19. Why is it important that the story ends with dancing and not
fighting?

20. How is Mthunzi a hero in the story?

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� Answer Key: Love Child Test (20 Marks)

Part A

1. Bhakubha
2. Another village declared war
3. Mthunzi
4. brought joy, laughter, and inspiration
5. jealous of her beauty and skills
6. cave and magical old women
7. herbs for the chief and a magical drum
8. woke up and danced instead of fighting
9. dropped their weapons and turned them into peaceful tools
10. a yearly celebration of peace and dancing

Part B

11. Simile
12. Personification
13. Repetition
14. Imagery
15. Metaphor

Part C

16. peace, love, mystery, or healing (accept valid answers)

17. That war causes pain, but peace brings joy
18. symbolizes unity, rhythm of peace, and emotional healing
19. shows peace has truly won, and unity has replaced hate
20. helped save the chief and ended the war peacefully

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