Ringfence

by Samke S. Mhlongo

They say the fall is only as great as the ability to rise, and The Belters know plenty about going both ways. Growing up in the best schools and moving in the continent's aristocratic circles, the road to carving out their ideal life is clear. But that path is rarely straight, and for the four university friends, the sharp turn into teenage pregnancy, infidelity and the erosion of love's grand illusion delivers blows that would derail most.

Chic and haughty, entitled and oblivious, Lolo, Nala, Runako and Qhayiya, aka The Belters, grow to realise that while flair is hard work, it doesn't work hard enough.

Nala learns the hard way that a trust fund is finite, but death isn't. Lolo discovers that everyone betrays everyone sometime in life. Runako realises that the heavier the carats, the harder it is to run, and Qhayiya finds herself in a world where saints, monsters and bystanders are the same people.

With sharp wit and the wisdom of hindsight, Ringfence reflects on four lives that touch the foot of heaven, fall to the depths of hell, and grow to become women whose hard-earned insights cut right to the heart of Africa's elite.

395 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Samke Mhlongo is founder of TNC Wealth Partners, a consultancy specialising in employee financial wellness. She hosts a weekly financial wellness segment on Talk Radio 702 and has been featured on international media outlets including CNBC Africa, Channels TV (Nigeria), and K24 TV (Kenya). Samke has over 10 years' experience in the personal finance industry, with seven years spent as a private banker at Investec Specialist Bank and Asset Manager. She holds an Honours in Financial Planning, and an MBA completed with a dissertation titled Factors contributing to over-indebtedness of black South African females. Her business accolades include being named United Nations MIPAD Top 100 Most Influential Persons of African Descent, Entrepreneur Magazine Top 50 Black African Women Entrepreneurs to Watch 2018, and Brand SA "Play Your Part" Ambassador.

Samke is a divorced mother of two and lives in Johannesburg.

Ringfence is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Claire Hondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was like I was watching reality unfold as I went through the story. It started a bit slow for me with the laying of the foundation but picks up as you get to understand the squads as they transitioned from college to adult life with life happening to them🤦🏾‍♀️. It's no happy ending book🤣🤦🏾‍♀️ like real life but her writing and the story was just delish👌🏾. I love how the author brings out very helpful information(financial and legal lessons) whilst not overbearing the story.

Themes that stood out throughout the book:
College life and how the rich life(with the descriptive of their travels, the instagram life)
Working in a cooperate world
Marital abuse, physical, sexual and financial abuse, so many legal concepts(will, marriages Out of Community of Property, Antenuptial contract with or without Accruals, custody, divorce)- the suffering of women in all of this
Family and friendships
Cultural differences and beliefs
A mother's love and sacrifices they make(staying in a loveless marriage, putting career progrations on hold)
Mental health
Death and loss

Kudos to her, she has this beautiful control of words in her writing that keeps you captivated. Loved it and left me thinking a lot and a book hangover as well. We need to discuss the nuggets in this book vele.

[Refiloe Nkadimeng ********** · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great written novel by Samke. Once I started I found myself wanting to keep on turning the pages. A story of four friends navigating through varsity, starting work, marriage, weddings, and all the drama that comes with life changing events. In the story of the four ladies lies in education about Contract marriages , wills,divorce and divorce proceeding, custody battles you name them. I found the book to be very informative and educational without overbearing but in a story telling way.

[Hloni Dlamini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book.

[Elle Khupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully told narrative of a group of four friends, with high aspirations and big dreams as they navigate university, careers, relationships and the unexpected (and in most cases, devastating) challenges that for some, completely derail the perfect life they had planned and others, serve as hard lessons that force them to grow.

Ringfence is not just a story - it's a crash course in financial literacy, a legal advisor, a career coach, a teacher and a sobering reminder that all that glitters is not gold.

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

RINGFENCE is self-indulgent, opulent and downright "DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND", but on closer reading it is empowering and educational. From celebrating female friendships to putting a glare on South Africa's rising inequality gap. It was great to read about black university students who didn't have financial issues and economic constraints. Every parent wants their child to go through varsity unaffected by bread and butter issues. There's nothing as debilitating as fighting institutional oppressions and systematic racism while worrying whether NSFAS has paid/is going to pay for tuition, books, residence and food😪.

RINGENCE is an experience. From body dysmorphia, planned parenthood, financial education - management to fitness, colourism, family values, destination weddings and the associated politics and pressures, rejoining the workforce after raising kids, divorce and its effects on the family unit, to downsizing after a major life shift. Sam dug deep and pulled out her experiences, direct and indirect, to give us a global story written in urban South African language. Part travelogue, part culinary experience, part fashion runway and part financial literacy AKA #adulting101 , RINGFENCE has the hallmarks of a very enjoyable and satisfying read. A fantastic book club discussion read where Lolo, Nala, Runako and Qhayiya will find kindred spirits.

[Asanda Maku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yoh where do I begin with this book??! Firstly Samke I'm so proud of you.

What a rollercoaster ride of emotions...I needed a glass of wine for every chapter 😂🙈

Also I couldn't read it without hearing your voice and calling you to verify certain events🤭

Every chapter was a learning, healing and empowering experience😍❤🤗

Get yourself a copy, promise you will love it!

[Mkabayi Tshabalala · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that every woman should read this book!

Young, old, single, married, divorced. So many lessons about finances, legal issues, purpose, just the realities of being a woman in this world. I feel like Samke took her heart and put it in this book and I could see myself and all the women I know in each piece. Regardless of our different backgrounds. BRAVO!

I cried, laughed, felt warm, fell off my chair from shock and hurt from the betrayals, but at the end of it all, I understood my strength as a woman.

Shifting the power indeed! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[Sthandiwe Mseleku · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read and a true eye-opener! It provides vast knowledge on both finance and law, in relation to the difficult situations women find themselves in.
I also enjoyed reading about the different places in which the book iş set, the use of discriptive writing transports one's mind to each place making one feel as though they one with the characters in the book.

[Rethabile Mota · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hype around Ringfence has been unquestionable and admittedly, that made me both eager to get my hands on it and terrified to read it, because with Samke, all you can ever get from her is the truth, and 90% of the time it's bitter-sweet truth. Ringfence is a bank of Wealth+Financial Advisory, with a touch of legal advise, seasoned with a lot of life changing advise. I'm definitely doing this marriage thing wiser. - Rethabile Mota - Muttie

[Thobisiwe Mazithulela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading I could not put this book down...the familiar journey through college, navigating life as young adults, the decisions made, the love stories and the heart break...Samke left me wanting more. A well-written life manual that everyone should read.

I was surprised at the emotions brought out by the events in the book, felt some of the experiences as I read because I have seen them in my own life before.

Looking forward to more from Samke Mhlongo!!

[Karabo Matsoso · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book. A story beautifully told, I indeed learned so much from the experiences of the ladies and I really appreciate and am grateful to Samke for sharing this story with us. I cried so much because I could feel their pains. I learnt about different cultures and I must say woman are going through the most out there.

I loves 😜 this book and I highly recommend it.

[Unathi Nkondlwana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put the book down, not only was it entertaining but it was also very educational. It also reminded me to not settle for less .
I would recommend that every young woman starting Varsity to read it and goes without saying, well advanced women too.

[Sinothando-Lusanda Madlala · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book revealed the different faces of abuse that women have to live with... Abuse from men on a physical, emotional, financial and mental level, abuse from women on a cultural level and abuse from the corporate world just for being a woman who wants to move up the ranks based on intellect and not genetic make up... These are tough facts but the truth really needed to come out into the light so that we can all introspect and heal from the wounds we carry so beautifully on a daily basis

[Senzeni K Ndiraya]

A must read ❤️

[Enhle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ringfence is a packed, rich, adventurous and heart-wrenching book at times.
It follows the story of four friends "The Belters" as they journey through adulthood - from varsity through to being married moms. The experiences are intertwined with the equally popular yet synonymously rich boy squad "The Muzungus".

The book explores a myriad of themes - friendship, marriage, family, culture, the different faces of abuse, money matters, work life, you name it.
I enjoyed it as much as I got bored by it at times. It could have easily been three separate book, because there's so much to tackle with each of the characters (who have a lot going on, its easy to get lost). Overall, its a relevant, entertaining and powerful read.

[Fezokuhle Jiyose · Rating 3 out of 5]

“No matter how perfect things looked from the outside, pain was no respecter of man, and was a constant companion on the journey called life.”

The book is well researched and very informative. It focuses about the challenges that women face in general which have nothing to do with the level of education or status but has everything to do with the traps that they find themselves in .

“Do you not know that most men would rather give you money for a handbag than a business plan? For an iPhone than share?”

Qhayiya- “I guess I was lucky to find a man that sees me for my brains!” When she uttered those words I wondered if she has honestly met that gender. She had the determination and the brain but her relationship was slowing her growth and when she finally freed herself she trusted a monster who think that woman are his to do as he please.

Lolo-“Well, you shouldn’t place yourself in danger while he figures himself out! “ I must admit that Lolo was my favorite. I really did not foresee the way things ended with her. She unknowingly lived a lie while everyone else knew what was going on around her. I loved that she was brave enough not to settle for anything less than what she thought she had and it’s a pity that money is the only language that most understand. My heart bleeds for the pain that she went through and having been offered help by a man who knew that he she will come asking for more and he will want something in return.

Runako “You’re a woman, with rather a colourful history. You can’t be seen to be throwing yourself at other men, especially not at a time like this.” As a woman I am extremely disappointed in her. Not because she stayed in a marriage that was clearly not working out but in the way she perceived her friend when her marriage was sinking. One would think that she will be a little more supportive considering that she knows pain. Part of the reasons she stayed in her marriage was for the comfort it gives despite telling her mother that it is not the kind of love she married for.

“There’s your problem. Every smart woman knows you don’t build a marriage on that kind of love…”

Nala – “The investments she put my inheritance in is very strict with how many withdraws she can make. That’s all. “ There is a danger in trusting someone completely to take decisions which are best for you. Her battles were with her in-laws and the culture that seeks to oppress women. Her only sin was loving her husband deeply that even in his absence she felt the need to prove to his family that she indeed loved him. It is again the love that she had for his son that couldn’t allow her to take the decisions that she took at then end in the beginning. On top of all that she trusted her mother more than she should have.

“I’ve learned that once a man has decided that he wants you, trust me, there’s a very slim chance that he’s going to see you for your brains…”

[Hope]

What a gift!
1st Your storytelling just draws the reader in, I found myself thinking about the book throughout my workday and would nibble at a paragraph or two while I took tea or lunch (yay to living at the office)

Secondly the lesson in the book could not be clearer: women need to take charge of their finances, all women, but especially married ones or ones intending to marry

Lastly I loved how real the stories were: big beautiful highs, deep heartbreaking lows & sometimes in between just as ordinary life really is.

You hurt me though with Peter taking Q’s soul in Nairobi, by the time I got to that part I had believed we were past ALL the pain because there had been a good measure of it, still I was comforted and healed by Q’s own healing & growth from the buildup to her powerful message at WIMBIZ

Thank you for staying true to your 18 August 2015 journal entry, we are all better for it ❤️

[Bright Lights · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading Ringfence with an open mind not knowing what to expect. Within its pages, I discovered 4 young women who could quite easily have been any of my sisters, cousins or nieces. Lolo, Nala, Runako and Qhayiya (The Belters) go through life experiences which are sometimes tragic but unfortunately not uncommon.

It is these experiences which would shape the ladies they become. And this is why this book is so important to every lady (and man) navigating life's maze of work, family, relationships and fortune.

Ringfence is original and beautifully written. In its most resonating moments, the original voice of the author comes through as though it were a lived experience.

[Princess Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t mean to brag, but I was amongst the first people to read this book 📚. At first I thought wow this is gonna take me a while to read but when I started, I couldn’t stop because chile….

The story line, the plot twists, the girls ups and downs It was like I was at varsity with them 😅 like I’m finally reading about the lives of girls, who at varsity, I thought had it all figured out! Turns out they are like all of us!

Beyond the story, it’s the underlying financial education for me! Well done Samke on this beautifully written book novella!

[Thulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Samke! Thank you for this book. I found pieces of myself in all your main female characters (Lolo, Qhayiya, Nala and Runako). I related so much. My story…you summed up my life story through them. Thank you for the wealth of knowledge too. The wisdom. The laughter. The hard-hitting truths you penned down that made me pause and reflect; helped me forgive and opened my eyes to the mistakes I am still making. What a powerful book about personal growth and mastery.
Powerful. Poignant. Pragmatic.

[Zozo Bango · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book, it’s very relatable , you can see your self in some of the characters.
There are so many lessons on how to handle your personal matters.
It makes one to wonder about the status of her affairs and compels one to take action to maid sure that they fix what needs to be fixed.
This book is a perfect gift to give to your sisters, friends, daughter, nieces , cousins etc.
I feel like I got a free coaching session by Samke.

[Keitumetse Taunyane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was nothing like I expected.
I was taken on a rollercoaster.
I was happy and then sad, then angry and scared, waiting for that break, then at peace with how it ended.
Some parts went a bit too academic (describing the benefits) , but I suppose it will help those who know nothing.
I really enjoyed this book. Took me long to start it as it is so thick. But my goodness....it was so worth it!
Beautiful Samke 🙏🏾

[Alice Takawira · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read that is not only entertaining but also provides some lessons on how to manage our finances wisely, told through the experiences of the dynamic cast of characters. Looking forward to more from this author .

[Tendai Mutizwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a relatable read.

[Lerato Ramollo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cleverly written book! Entertaining whilst educating women on finances and legal matters! These are critical conversations we need to be having more often as women!

[Radio 1 Silence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it, no more words needed. If you're a woman and you're African, you need to read this book.