This December, the BackaBuddy team celebrated an extraordinary cultural exchange that captivated many on TikTok. Central to this enchanting story were two of our valued team members: Monique Weich, the enthusiastic Donor Retention Coordinator, and Lakiwe Blekiwe, the spirited Head of Charities.
Lakiwe, originating from the picturesque village of Qokolweni in the Eastern Cape, extended a warm invitation to Monique to participate in a significant local tradition: her nephews’ Mgidi celebration.
This dynamic event, deeply ingrained in Xhosa culture, signifies a young man’s transition into adulthood.
Image: Monique and Lakiwe in their traditional attire
Monique and Lakiwe, friends and colleagues at BackaBuddy, have nurtured a remarkable bond over the past five years. Their friendship, enriched by mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s cultures, has transcended the confines of the workplace, evolving into a deep, personal connection.
Together, they documented and shared their unique cultural experiences on TikTok, using the handle @qokolweni_mlungu. Lakiwe humorously mentioned having “an Mlungu on my stoep” during the holidays, reflecting the warmth and closeness of their relationship. Their posts did more than just showcase their personal journey; they provided insights into South Africa’s rich cultural heritage, highlighting the power of friendship and collaboration in bridging cultural divides.
Monique’s adventure began with a 23-hour bus journey to Mthatha, which she found surprisingly pleasant despite some delays and the sweltering heat. She experienced a bit of culture shock upon realizing she was the only Mlungu in the area, drawing curious stares and occasional photo requests, which she graciously accepted.
@qokolweni_mlungu @Lakiwe Blekiwe showing me her home and her roots ♥️ #easterncape #village #southafrica #Qokolweni #mlungu #heritage #culture #fyp #country #southafricatiktok
“The little ones at Laki’s home were very surprised to see me. They sometimes stroked my skin and played with my hair, which was really cute,” Monique fondly recalled, emphasizing the children’s innocence and curiosity.
Their TikTok series quickly became a sensation, blending humour with heartfelt moments. It featured everything from the serene landscapes of the Eastern Cape to the lively preparations for the Mgidi celebration, capturing the essence of their journey and the vibrant local culture.
@qokolweni_mlungu It’s Mgidi Day!! Making new friends and life long memories #easterncape #Qokolweni #village #culture #heritage #khosa #friendship #Love #tradition #fyp #afrikaans #southafrican #rural #ruralgirl #tiktoksouthafrica #sama28 #mgidi #traditionaldress #fashion
The series was a hit, amassing over 637,000 views, 337 comments, and more than 12,000 likes. The comment section blossomed into a haven of positivity, brimming with messages celebrating love, respect, and positive energy.
Monique’s departure on January 3rd was bittersweet. “Leaving was hard. The time went by so fast, and before I knew it, the adventure was over,” she reflected, emphasizing the profound impact of her experience.
@qokolweni_mlungu It’s my last day in Qokolweni. I’m leaving with priceless memories #Qokolweni_Mlungu #EasternCape #forevermemories
A particularly touching moment in their cultural journey occurred when Lakiwe gave Monique a traditional Xhosa name, ‘Nomathamsanqa’, signifying luck or blessings. This gesture was more than symbolic; it showcased the depth and respect within their friendship.
Image: Monique with Lakiwe’s mom and aunt.
Lakiwe appreciated Monique’s wholehearted embrace of her culture, noting her adaptation to new and sometimes challenging experiences.
“From pit toilets to ‘Vaskom’ baths, fermented porridge mornings, and even accepting unreliable transport as normal. What bonded us even more was her love for Mama’s steamed bread and soup – that, she truly cherished,” Lakiwe commented.
Image: Umgidi Preparations
Their TikTok posts did more than share cultural moments; they portrayed an unbreakable bond that resonated with audiences worldwide, celebrating their authenticity and joy in friendship. This story is a testament to the transformative power of genuine friendship and cultural bridging.
BackaBuddy embraces their journey as a symbol of unity and solidarity. Their path, from colleagues to confidants, reflects our platform’s ethos of fostering meaningful connections.
Follow their inspiring journey on TikTok @qokolweni_mlungu and witness the beauty of genuine friendship crossing cultural boundaries, enriched by mutual love and respect for each other’s heritage.
Monique also highlighted what she will miss the most: [Monique’s Fond Memories].
@qokolweni_mlungu We shall see each other again ❤️ #easterncape #southafrica #Qokolweni #village #ruralvillage #culture #heritage #Xhosa #friendship #Love #tradition #fyp #rural #ruralgirl #emgidini #tiktoksouthafrica #sama28
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