We buried Papa Madiba late last year about the same
time as my birthday anniversary. He went as Zulu warriors in the jungle
fatigued of old pranced atop a distant hill; spears and bows aloft; amid
traditional dirges and hunting war songs; as men of war stood in stiff salute.
Most remarkable with the death of Tata Madiba is
that we planted him in the land of his ancestors as his two lovely women bowed
in respect; after slaughtering a bull and performing the rituals befitting an
elder of his stature. He went like a man; this man who swore to die for an
idea. This man whom I read in the annals of history books and who has forever impacted
me and not just inspired me; but has inspired the whole world.
That’s a far cry from what happens around here where
people die for nothing. As a former colleague of mine asked: “will
KBC play martial music when you die and how many shops will close in your
village when you die?”
As we speak; yes I know far too many people who die
for nothing. When you are a man; it is an honor to die
protecting your wife, children or nation. But is stupid to die fighting for a
sleazy politician; or to drop down ten floors because a football team lost (I did
not say Man-U); or to smash your brain against the wall because you were
driving and yakking on the phone; or most idiotic of all; because a woman has
left you for another man.
Guys; in 2014, just in case you must die- at least
die for a good reason; such as that your prize will bull died of bloat; or a jealous
neighbor poisoned your big cockerel because I was mounting all the hens. Die so
that people can dance in celebration; not wonder what you were thinking when
you took a policeman’s wife to his bed.
-this
piece is inspired by Standard newspaper’s Crazy Monday columnist; Ted Malanda-
he who draws on the wisdom of his royal Wanga ancestors to try and understand a
world gone mad.
By
EMBUKANE VINCENT LIBOSSO.
