Podcast Summary: The Moth - "Monica Cheru-Mpambawashe & Ruth Adong & Lebo Moletsane: Stories from The Moth Community Program"

Release Date: March 1, 2016
Host: Dan Kennedy
Featured Storytellers: Monica Cheru Mpambawashe, Ruth Adong, and Libo Malazani

Introduction

In this episode of The Moth, host Dan Kennedy introduces listeners to three compelling stories from The Moth's Community Program. Launched in 1999, this program aims to amplify voices that often go unheard by providing storytelling workshops to individuals from diverse backgrounds. The featured storytellers—Monica Cheru Mpambawashe, Ruth Adong, and Libo Malazani—share deeply personal narratives that explore themes of family, cultural expectations, and personal empowerment.

1. Monica Cheru Mpambawashe: Embracing Responsibility and Change

Timestamp: [02:52] – [06:09]

Monica Cheru Mpambawashe opens her story by painting a picture of her affluent and supportive upbringing in Uganda. "We were not poor. In fact, we were very rich. We ate meat almost every day," she reflects, highlighting the abundance and warmth of her family life.

However, her narrative takes a poignant turn when she revisits her parents' home unexpectedly after turning thirty. "When I opened the fridge door and there was nothing," (04:15) Monica describes the shock of discovering her parents' diminished circumstances. This moment serves as a revelation of the inevitable role reversal between parent and child.

Monica conveys the emotional weight of this transition: "It was as if I had been stripped. All my life I'd had their hands around me... and suddenly it was as if it was my arms that were now going around them" (05:30). This realization marks a profound shift in her perspective, forcing her to take on the responsibility of caring for her aging parents.

Notable Quote:

"That moment I realized that I could never go back home because I had become the home that they would need to go to." (06:09)

Monica's story encapsulates the universal experience of witnessing and adapting to the aging of one's parents, highlighting the resilience and strength required to navigate such life changes.

2. Ruth Adong: Overcoming Cultural Constraints and Reclaiming Her Voice

Timestamp: [06:49] – [09:53]

Ruth Adong shares a vivid childhood memory that underscores the strict cultural norms she was subjected to. Recalling a seemingly simple act of accepting a freshly made potato from a neighbor, Ruth reflects on the severe repercussions enforced by her grandmother. "She beats us... we were crying like there's no tears," (08:00) Ruth recounts the physical punishment that followed, emphasizing the rigid boundaries imposed on acceptable behavior.

As Ruth grows older, the narrative delves into deeper family dynamics and cultural paranoia. The story of her namesake being poisoned adds layers to understanding her grandmother's strictness: "It did explain a bit of my grandmother's paranoia" (09:00). This backstory provides context for the harsh discipline Ruth and her siblings endured.

Ruth's reflection on these experiences reveals the lasting impact of authoritarian parenting: "I'm supposed to eat? So who's making the rules for I'm supposed to eat?" (09:30). This question highlights her internal struggle with authority and conformity.

Notable Quote:

"If she eats, you eat. If she doesn't, don't you try it." (09:09)

Ruth's story is a compelling exploration of the tension between cultural expectations and personal autonomy, illustrating her journey toward understanding and challenging the norms imposed upon her.

3. Libo Malazani: Breaking the Silence in Education

Timestamp: [10:16] – [16:52]

Libo Malazani delivers a powerful account of her experiences as a teacher in rural South Africa during apartheid. She begins by describing the harsh conditions of her early education: "Our primary school was a row of mad huts. The winters were harsh, very cold," (11:00). These vivid descriptions set the stage for understanding the challenges faced by both students and educators in such environments.

As one of the few qualified teachers remaining in rural areas, Libo encounters widespread corporal punishment and gender bias. "One of the things that stood out was just how rampant corporal punishment was," (12:30) she observes, highlighting the systemic issues within the educational system.

A pivotal moment occurs when a student, grieving the loss of her boyfriend, is harshly reprimanded by fellow teachers. This incident triggers Libo's introspection about her own past and the rumors that once labeled her unfairly. "I was labeled as slut, I would spend my next years trying to prove just how not a slut I was," (14:15) she reveals, connecting her personal trauma to her professional resolve.

This reflection empowers Libo to take a stand: "I stood up, went over to the girl and said to her, you feel like grieving for your boyfriend? Go right ahead," (15:10). This act of kindness marks the beginning of her commitment to fostering a supportive and empathetic environment for her students.

Libo concludes her story by affirming her dedication to empowering young girls: "I vowed never to be silent again." (16:00) Her narrative underscores the importance of voice and agency within oppressive systems, both personally and professionally.

Notable Quote:

"How long will I keep quiet? How long will I let this happen?" (15:00)

Libo's story is an inspiring testament to the impact one individual can have in challenging and transforming entrenched injustices within the education system.

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth showcases the profound and diverse experiences of three storytellers from The Moth Community Program. Monica Cheru Mpambawashe, Ruth Adong, and Libo Malazani each navigate complex personal and cultural landscapes, offering listeners a window into resilience, responsibility, and the quest for voice. Their narratives not only entertain but also inspire reflection on universal themes of family, societal expectations, and the power of individual agency.

Additional Information:

• Monica Cheru Mpambawashe: Assistant Editor at the Herald, Zimbabwe's largest newspaper, and author of two short stories, Chavez Sunsets and The Happy Clapper.

• Ruth Adong: Anchor and reporter for Touch FM in Kampala, and blogger at Rabila's World, focusing on social justice issues.

• Libo Malazani: Professor in Rural Education at the University of KwaZulu Natal.

For more stories and live events, visit themoth.org.