photo below: Eva Tarnok
The pull to share the beauty of this place that anchors me is the reason Fif ty Four Mag exists. It only felt right, then, to immerse ourselves in the idea of Homecoming for the final issue of our inaugural year. As I sit here, I am humbled by the gif ts Africa, my home, has given me. In its age-old wisdom, I find inspiration to create something new. In its humble beginnings, I find the path to building legacy. This particular issue is my heart and soul, spread across more than 100 pages that pay homage to those who have not forgotten their roots.
What does home mean, anyways? It’s a feeling of belonging, anchored by the connections we forge. It is the presence we bring to those we love, the imperfect moments that shape us, and the formative memories that weave the tapestry of our lives. This issue has allowed me to come closer to a place I hold dear, “Nkumba.” The scent of leather chairs – worn, aged, and well-loved-evokes memories of my father, who cherished them as a symbol of my first paycheck.
For this issue, I wanted a feature story that centred on something deeper than the glossy things that are so quick to grab our attention – so I made a conscious decision to set aside the allure of celebrity. Instead, we looked to the San people of Makgadikgadi (Bushmen) who embody the spirit of homecoming. Their vibrant culture and commitment to family ref lect the essence of what it means to truly be at home.