Brother/sister relationship developed
SINCE they met three years ago, Pranashen Pillay and Sinenhlanhla Mdlalose have been inseparable. They say it is because they have a lot in common.
Pillay, 35, of Shallcross, met Mdlalose, 32, of Luganda in Pinetown, in 2018 when she was employed at a residential facility for the aged. They are social workers there.
Pillay said Mdlalose’s first task was to participate in an activity that required them to sit with each other over three days.
“We developed a close bond. Perhaps it was our sense of humour, good looks, and the fact that we had experienced similar circumstances in our personal lives that provided a shared common ground,” he said.
“I remember during the first week of meeting, she protected me from bullying. She earned my love and respect from that moment on.
“We have become best friends and spend our birthdays together. We try to make it as special for each other as we can. When I was diagnosed with epilepsy and struggled to cope with the changes in my life, she was always by my side and assured me that this too shall pass,” said Pillay.
“I know people envy our closeness, but it just motivates us to take more selfies of ourselves together. I admit, it also makes us appreciate the uniqueness and rarity of our relationship.
“During the recent unrest and racial issues, we noticed the stares we received from people of different races. We continue with the hope that we provide a realistic example that will assist others in understanding that racial prejudice is nothing but a voluntary social construct that is also undone by a simple matter of choice.”
Mdlalose said their friendship had developed into a brother-sister relationship and they spent a lot of time together on weekends.
“We enjoy our fun-filled days with each other or with friends. But we mostly enjoy our times at each other’s homes – chatting and being supportive if one or the other is going through a difficult time and we try to find solutions. We also enjoy going to the beach and on picnics.”
She said they embraced each other’s religions and beliefs.
Mdlalose is Christian and Pillay is a Hindu.
“I have personally learnt a lot, especially about the fasting days and various prayers, and why they are done. I love and appreciate that Pranashen and his family have embraced me.
“I am actively involved in the prayers and they guide me and explain what they are doing so that I can understand.”
Mdlalose said she believed that friendships should not be defined by the colour of a person’s skin.
“It is in fact a person’s character that tells you more about who they truly are and that is what we, as a society, should focus on.
“We should get to know a person instead of judging based on race or religion,” said Mdlalose.
“We also live in a diverse society, in which everyone has a place and that is what we need to teach the youth of today and future generations. It is okay to interact with people of different races and we should not let society dictate who our friends should be.”