Around 1992, when I was still a young boy, at the Mafhikana Primary School; I perfectly remember that it was very common for young boys (mostly) my age to be trading a variety of loose items such as: Di-Toffee (Toffee sweets), Crystal Ice Mints sweets, Chappies bubble gum and even Biscuits – each in exchange for the elusive, copper, multiple-named coin: siki, zoka, zobe (5 thebe).
The transactions were at the school during break time or right in the middle of lessons – especially when the madam had gone briefly outside – to the staff room. Likewise, the business was common after school when the entrepreneurs were on their way home; or even later in the hot afternoons during ‘’di-sports’’ (sports activities) at the official, lawn-less, school-ground. The grounds were my favourite football team’s pitch: Kanye Swallows. The di-sweets’ customers included: classmates, schoolmates, bo-madam, Kanye Swallows football players, kids in the village, village adults and I myself.
My favourite purchases were of the plain tea di-biscuits, loosely sold from a crystal-clear A5 sized plastic bag, with very dark blue and appealing description letters -inked on the outside. Di-biscuits were always mouth-watering.
The good quality biscuits were simply called: “Di-Quality” (the quality ones), by the inked navy letters, the energetic sellers, and the various buyers.
My Primary School Treasure: Siki
Image: Catalogue.educationalcoin.com
Blessing Kgosi e tsile Kgasa 