Banele (212 days / 30 weeks) 01    00:11:49

Banele | Communication, Empathy/ Lack thereof, Fathers, Siblings, Support, Thriving, Will

Banele is on a blanket on the ground in the living room. The table has been moved to make space for him. Dad and most of the siblings are at home with Banele. He is sitting up securely on his own and holding a smurf or teething ring in his hands. Siyabonga and Zanele are playing with him – holding the toys out of reach so that he stretches for the objects. Thando has bathed and is being dressed by “Auntie”, with the help of Siyabonga, who’s fetching her clothes. Occasionally, when Banele drops his toy or teething ring, dad hands it back to him. There is momentary eye contact between them, and often dad is not looking at him so Banele glances up and then away, back to the toys. Zanele looks at Banele and wiggles her head, in the same way as dad often does when playing with Banele. He looks back at her and smiles, putting his hand on her shoulder. The children play for several minutes with Banele occasionally looking up towards dad and his place on the couch where his blanket is folded above him. Banele waves his hands and dad responds, holding out his own hand and playing with Banele’s fingers.

Banele starts to rub his eyes and suck his fingers. Zanele gets scolded by dad and she gets up and moves away. Soon dad tells her to come closer to play with Banele.

Banele is holding his throat and making a strange sound, as if holding his breath. Dad notices this and moves the beads around his neck. Dad then goes to get a bottle for Banele. Banele continues to scratch at his throat, then coughs. The other children notice this and fiddle around his throat to assist him. Dad returns and picks Banele up to feed him. He falls asleep soon after drinking his bottle.

People you will meet:

Auntie 2nd Carer

Siyabonga Youngest Half-Brother

Sizwe Dad

Skhumbuzo Oldest Half-Brother

Thando Oldest Sister

Zanele Youngest Sister