Samke Mhlongo’s Ringfence is a raw, visceral exploration of the realities of four young women navigating the complexities of mordern life. Mhlongo delves into a world of these characters, revealing their vulnerabilities and strengths as they grapple with love, loss, ambition, and finding themselves. The book has many twists and turns. Just when you think you can predict the end, it offers a turn of events.
The Characters
At first glance, the cover and the title look like it’ll give you all the reasons to not get married but, the story of the characters is way more complex than that. The characters added a beautiful texture to the lessons the book intends to teach about financial literacy and GBV.
Lolo is the ambitious leader of the group, driven to succeed in her career. Nala is the free-spirited adventurer, always seeking new experiences. Runako is the introspective loner, struggling to connect with others. Qhayiya is the youngest and naive member, eager to please. These four women, collectively known as the “Belters,” form a tight-knit bond that is tested by their individual challenges and the pressures of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”. One of them portrays the story of the author, the reveal of who she is in the story is a shock.
Money Makes the World Go Round, or Does It?
The predominant theme is financial literacy. This is a novel that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of poverty, inequality, and violence, yet it also celebrates the beauty, strength, and hope found within these challenging circumstances. The Belters have the fair share of marrying rich, and finding that not all that glitters is gold. One of them marries into a rich family and finds herself having to leave her kids in a foreign land to avoid being “voluntarily” raped via a ritual that is performed on widows. It’s unbelievable to think that this is the harsh reality of some women in parts of Africa.
Mhlongo’s powerful storytelling left a lasting impression, and challenges the perceptions and expands the understanding of the world that not many speak about. It also dispels the idea that cases of GBV occur only in poor areas or rough neighbourhoods.
Friendship and Sisterhood
At the core of the book is a powerful exploration of friendship and sisterhood. The four main characters, Lolo, Nala, Runako, and Qhayiya, form a bond that is both a source of strength and a catalyst for growth. In some chapters I questioned the friendships but it became clear later in the book that their friendship is a sanctuary. A place where they can be themselves without judgment and a place where they can hold each other accountable, with love.
They support each other through life’s challenges, celebrate each other’s triumphs, and offer a shoulder to cry on during times of sorrow. Their bond is tested by jealousy, betrayal, and differing life paths, but it ultimately proves to be unbreakable. Mhlongo’s portrayal of these characters’ friendships is both heartwarming and inspiring. It’s a testament to the power of human connection and the enduring nature of true bonds.
The Ending
Ringfence according to the Oxford Dictionary; guarantee that (funds allocated for a particular purpose) will not be spent on anything else. Another meaning, protected and only able to be used for a particular purpose. After going through the 200 pages of the Ringfence book, the title makes perfect sense. The Belter were protected, only to be used for particular purposes. It took me a while to get into the novel but I’m glad I was patient, and followed along until I got my rhythm.
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