To my beloved family and dear friends: today, 25th September 2026. I celebrate life with a full heart. My mother told me that I was born on this very date, a Saturday, in the early hours of the morning—at our home, “ko-12715” Itsuseng Street, Mamelodi East, PO Rethabile, 0122. That humble address was more than the place of my birth; it was the first doorway through which love welcomed me into the world.

Above all, I honour my late parents—the man and woman whose love, courage and sacrifices made my life possible. Both were born in Mpumalanga: one in Mapulaneng and the other in Rusplaas. On my father’s side, I am a second-generation South African, with roots reaching back to Mozambique. Ndzi Khalanga. Mdondolovane. Ncila a va ololi. My parents may no longer walk beside me, but they live in my blood, my values, my voice and every step I take. Today, I speak their names through the life they gave me. Their love did not end; it became my inheritance.

My life is a gathering of people who chose to love me, guide me, correct me, carry me and cheer me on. Ke a leboga—thank you! To bo Ausi Banyamile, Mmangwane Selinah, all my mother’s younger sisters, Mma Di baby, Sesi Tabatata, my siblings, my teachers, my lecturers, friends from every phase of my journey, and colleagues brought into my life by shared purpose: you have each left a mark on me.

To my wife and children, you made the adult chapter of my life deeply rewarding. You are my everyday home, my strength and my joy. To my children: thank you for giving meaning to the name Dad. That title is one of the greatest honours of my life. To my grandchildren—Muhlurhi, Rhulani, Nkosiyabo, Zimi and Vukosi—you are love renewed, laughter multiplied and hope wearing familiar faces. You make the family story brighter. I love you—fiercely, proudly and without measure!

To everyone who wished me a happy birthday today—through calls, messages, posts, prayers and every thoughtful gesture—thank you from the depths of my heart. You paused in the rhythm of your own day to remember me, and that thoughtfulness has made this day warmer, brighter and more meaningful. Every word reached me. Every blessing touched me. Every expression of love reminded me how fortunate I am to share this journey with you. I felt your love today, and I treasure every bit of it!

As I receive another year, I do so with humility. Life is not owed; it is grace. Whatever is mine today carries the fingerprints of those who prayed for me, still pray for me, opened doors for me and stood beside me. May the goodness you have wished upon my life return to you in abundance. Your love has held me. Your prayers have covered me. Your presence has mattered.

To everyone who has let me be a thread connecting you to a person, a place, an opportunity, or a meaningful moment: thank you for holding on. I didn’t always know I could be that thread. Yet you trusted the connection, and together we made it count. If I were offered another life, I would choose you again—twice over—for all that you have been and for the meaning you have woven into my days. You are loved. You are cherished. You are part of me.

In this new year of my life, I promise myself to be the safest person in my own company—to guard my peace, honour my wellbeing, and live with intention. I will keep learning by reading at least five thousand words each day on a subject I have not explored before. I will remain curious. I will grow. I will keep becoming.

And let me say it with a smile: it is not the bananas you gave me that made me the baboon I am; it is the baboon I am—and, I hope, the baboon I have become—that made your bananas useful beyond yourself! Every kindness found a home. Every lesson travelled further. Every gift became part of a larger story.

So today I celebrate not alone, but with all of you in my heart—and with my late parents lovingly present in memory. Thank you for the gift of your hours, your prayers, your patience and your love. I carry you with me. I celebrate you as I celebrate life. Here is to another year of love, learning, laughter and meaningful connection. Happy birthday to me—and gratitude to you all! AMEN.