Humility is a form of humbleness as a result of a low views
from one’s own self. During Chapter 13, Stephen Kumalo has a chance to reflect
on his journey to search for his lost family members. In Enzenzeleni, he
discovers that even though he tried to teach his family members something and
to bring them home, he was the one who learned more than his family. From the
experiences of witnessing the hardships and struggles his family members faced
with prostitution, drugs, and discrimination, Kumalo learns how lucky he is.
Sometimes, people only realize the value once everything is taken from them.
For Kumalo, he realized the value by being put in a different environment. He
was humbled to the point where Msimangu had to pull him out of his deep
thoughts and think positively. For Kumalo, he learns that, “Life isn’t about
waiting for the storm to pass… It's about learning to dance in the rain.” In
other words, even though there are one hundred reasons to cry, find the one
reason to smile. Even though, at this point, things are hopeless for Kumalo as
he can’t find his son no matter where he looks or whom he asks, Kumalo tries to
understand the better things, the better reasons. He always tries to learn
something from whatever negative situation is thrown at him. While talking
about going back to his hometown, Ndotshemi, he says he will return with,
“greater humility” (88). Kumalo reveals his optimistic attitude to everything.
And sometimes, optimism is what’s best.
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