In a land on the other side of the Limpopo River, lives Simangaliso.People believe that Simangaliso has many special powers. Everybody in my town talks about her.She can change her hair as she wishes. She can make it disappear and appear.

Simangaliso has a beautiful soothing voice. She sings to the birds and animals in the forest.She sings at the end of each day. People travel from far to listen to her sweet voice.

Sometimes, Simangaliso has the longest hair that anyone has ever seen. Her long hair covers her face, especially when she sings.

Simangaliso walks around the forest each day.She can hear and smell danger. She can sense if someone has evil intentions.

One day, Simangaliso decided to go on a journey. She wanted to find out how life was on the other side of the vast river.When she came to the huge river, she wondered, “How do I cross?”

Simangaliso thought for a moment and then shouted, “Power! Power!”Immediately, a bridge appeared.She crossed to the other side of the river and continued her journey. She travelled far from the forest she knew.

Simangaliso felt tired. “I need somewhere to rest,” she thought.She shouted, “Power! Power!”Immediately, grass grew around her. Simangaliso sat down on the soft grass.

Simangaliso felt hungry. “I am far from the forest. How will I get food?” she wondered.She licked her lips and shouted, “Power! Power!”Immediately, pots, dishes and cups appeared.

Simangaliso’s favourite foods and drinks filled the pots, dishes, and cups.She ate and drank as much as she needed.

Simangaliso sensed my presence even before I got close to her.She called out, “Who is there?” I replied in a tiny voice, “It is me. My name is Buumi.”Simangaliso knew I had good intentions.

“I’m lost,” I said in my small voice.“Come, eat and drink with me!” Simangaliso invited.I ate and drank as much as I needed. I told Simangaliso how I got lost after following my older brother.

Simangaliso told me about her journey to find out how life was on the other side of the river.Then, she smiled and shouted, “Power! Power!”And that is how I arrived at the front door of my parent’s house.