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Tuesday, February 4, 2014

TO DIE FOR SOMETHING…IN HONOUR OF TATA MADIBA


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.



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