MOKGAKALA'S BOOK LAUNCH PHOTOS

MOLELEMA COMES ALIVE- MOKGAKALA"S BOOK LAUNCH...!!!

M

olelema, one of Greater Taung local municipality landmarks came alive during this heritage month.

The 27 September 2014 was a day like no other in this far- flung arid village. And it is a day that would, for many years to come, resonate affectionate sentiments of accomplishment, celebration and communal affirmation to all and sundry in Taung.

The launch was a unique event and the first of its kind that brought the broader community together like a beehive: The youth and the elderly; the royalties and the subjects; the academic and the lay; the writers and the readers; the critics and supporters; the rich and the poor. All these, had descended at the Mokgakala household to rejoice with and honour their iconic son, Onkgopotse Oupa Mokgakala. And for a moment the people had come together and forgotten their social ramifications. The mood was festive and gay. The spirit, unitary- a true celebration of heritage in the making.

The theme of the event was equally befitting, “Maropeng go a boelwa...”, which is commensurate with “Going back to your cultural roots...”. And indeed the people had come  together in their numbers to celebrate an historic event that is certain to leave an indelible mark in the minds of all attendees. The music was pervaded by a distinct traditional flavour. There was dancing and gyrating, and women could be heard at regular frequency exclaiming in affectionate ululations in rhythmical spontaneity, as the poets were bellowing and neighing in tandem. The dress code was punctuated with traditional designs to accentuate the people’s pride in their traditional apparels.

It was on this day that a lad of the land and son of the soil made history when he launched his maiden publication: “Nka se didimale”, an anthology that is a product of  experience, imagination and aspirations. Literally, “Nka se dididmale” means “I dare not keep quiet”. A title very connotative in meaning. Among others it could suggest that the author had seen or observed certain things and occurrences in the community that are sight for sore eyes, and as such did not put his conscience at ease. Occurrences of such a nature that if he were to be at peace with himself and everyone, he would need to both confess, share and articulate for communal consumption and reflection.

And an appreciable number of guests expressed both their support and appreciation of their son’s accomplishment by a lavish purchase of what was available of the anthology.