|
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment