Bahumi Madisakwane's identity issue continues to take center stage on Living The Dream With Somizi season 5. It has always been Bahumi's dream to take her paternal surname, but whenever she brings up the topic, she is told that her father Somizi Mhlogo, has to pay her for damages first.
In the latest episode of Somizi's hit reality show Living The Dream with Somizi, Bahumi stated that she does not believe in the underground gang.
“I don’t believe in engaging with my ancestors. That's essentially the bottom line of it," she told her father.
Bahumi said that even though she assists whenever they host traditional ceremonies, she is doing so for the sake of honoring and respecting her family's culture, but she doesn't agree with the practices they employ.
"I’ve always respected it and whenever there’s a ceremony, I’m there to help. I do it because I honour you and respect your culture. But we believe in different things in that sense. It’s not necessarily something I believe in. We believe in different things and in this sense, it’s about me. I want to do things my way. I know you and my mother want me to do things customarily, but I don’t want to,” she said.
Somizi appeared to understand what she had said, but he went on to relate how he was like her as a child, but life humbled him. He said he would not impose his beliefs on her.
"When it comes to tradition and culture, I will not impose anything on you because. You’re an adult. I respect other people’s beliefs. But one day, you will look back and say: ‘He was right’, and you will throw away the Bible,” he said.
“I used to be like you and I attended church, but life humbled me. When ancestors call your name, they leave you with no choice. Whether you believe in them or not, they play a part in your life. You might not be aware of it. They could be protecting, guiding and blessing you, and you might not be noticing it. But one day, they will give you a rude wake-up call for disrespecting them. That’s when you’ll realize that ancestors are real,” he said.
Despite Bahumi's desire to not have a traditional ceremony conducted to introduce her to the Mhlongo ancestors, Somizi said it was not her call to make.
"You don’t just change a surname. We need to talk to the ancestors so you can be formally introduced and welcomed. We’ll have to find common ground where we can both be comfortable. I obviously want to change your surname, but it’s not going to be on your terms. Ancestors will be angry at me. They’ll ask me why I never consulted with them. So I’ll have to consult with them on your behalf,” he said.
Bahumi argued with Somizi's sentiments, “Tell the ancestors I don’t want to. They should understand," she said. Somizi stated that she cannot take the Mhlongo surname without undergoing a traditional ceremony.
“She cannot have her bread buttered on both sides. She will not get the surname unless a traditional ceremony is done. She cannot steal the surname.”
Image Cred: Instagram