Paseka

Dear Paseka,

Around the years of 1990-1995, my brother always went to Gaborone, the capital, during the long school holidays. He would stay either at 14, kwa Ga Mmaago Kitso, or at Bontleng, kwa ga Mmaago Thato, my maternal and paternal aunties’ homes, respectively. I have also been to both unties’ homes, during school holidays, but way less than my brother. He has always thought that he is a city boy. Apart from running around with my cousins, what I loved most at 14 and Bontleng was watching TV and not going to church on Saturday mornings. I hear you also like watching the Van Damme and Bolo movies. Maybe this coming paseka holidays, we can watch them together, ok Paseka?

You see Paseka, my brother always narrated the city’s glamorous activities: the all-male soldiers during BDF Day; the Show Day; as well as the mouth-watering madombi le nama at the busy Gaborone Station, where, together with Serekwa they would help Mmaagwe Kitso, in preparing and selling very tasty hot food from the caravan. You must know Serekwa, she is classmates with Mookamedi. From the friends he mentioned, I vividly remember Ado, I met him at 14 and 9, if not 12, where my other maternal aunt, Mmenyane, used to live. However, the friend my brother used to talk dearly and most about was you Paseka. According to my brother, Paseka, you have albinism, ”leswahe’’ he pointed out. I was told that you and my cousin, Mookamedi from Bontleng, were very close Paseka. My brother eloquently narrated of the countless times they watched Bloodspot movie with you Paseka. He went on to say you would also play the shooting game, followed by football, in the burning sun.

To be honest with you Paseka, I secretly planned my next vacation to Bontleng, very early, and I managed to beat my brother in going to the city. I think my parents preferred one of us to stay at home, to wash their hands and visitors’s.  After a very eventful 2-hour bus journey from Kanye, via Moshupa I finally arrived at Bontleng. I quickly dropped my blue Guys & Girls duffel bag on my cousin’s bed, and without wasting time, interrogated him, ”where is Paseka?’’

I want to meet you Paseka. Where are you Paseka?

Why did your family move from Bontleng, before we could meet Paseka?

I miss you Paseka,

Mogolowe Nkgotla, Nkgosi