Around 1989-92, my 2-year younger brother and I were riding our blue BMX bicycles home – just after sunset. Back then, in the ‘epicentre of the Bangwaketse’, Kanye Village; that time of the day it was pitch black! Well, almost. Approaching home, we were traffic-cop stopped! Courtesy of the well-known brothers: Sledge and Culture. They must have been the same age as my Sister, class of 1975. They lived about 5 minutes walk from home, just next to the Mafhikana Post Office – our Post Office. I remember very well: Sledge lifted his left foot for a split-second, before stomping it on the gravel road. I didn’t see the dust – luckily. With his right hand up, the left stretched out straight from his side, followed by a ”STOP!” Command. Alternating, Culture demanded we put our safety lights on. Ha-ha! Of course they were joking as they immediately let us through with a smile.
Later on around 1993-95: As I endeavored tirelessly, on that scorching Sabbath afternoon to watch the televised royal Kaizer Chiefs. Unfortunately, the Mafhikana Bar was jam-packed! Our Bar. I tried my luck at Ga-Sumana Bar, about 5 minutes of an easy fast-walk from my favourite Bar. That fateful afternoon, I tasted fried-battered fish for the first time – in my life. The only fish I knew was the unlucky Lucky Star! Standing outside, by the door; Culture, stool seated inside, ushered me inside with his Sledge’s command like hand. Before giving me the remaining half of that delicious crispy haddock!
In 2009, Saturday 9th May: Just after we brought my father home from the mortuary – for his last night with us. I wanted my own space. Desperately! There was nowhere to hide. The whole Mafhikana community was there, it was packed; I remembered my father’s shop building, yes! I quietly sneaked through the Community, via the back door to the once General Dealer –adjacent to our yard. About 2 minutes later, Sledge and Culture invaded my peace. I was angry: ‘Why are they following me?’ As if he heard my thoughts, Culture reasoned: ”Ao! Nna kana ke bona laiti yaaka e vaela ko chipheng e le nosi! Ka-re, Sledge, a ga re cheke melaiti – kana gongwe o tloga a ikaletsa! (they thought I might commit suicide – hang myself) Ha-ha! I couldn’t stop laughing. All the time throughout the funeral I was thinking of that!
Sure di-Bro
Mafhikana Legends!
It takes a whole village to raise a child.
The blue BMX: Maybe 1989.
Blessing Kgosi e tsile Kgasa 