Perhaps the name diphiri or hyenas, paradoxically, illustrate the significance of these often-unappreciated gravediggers. Maybe it was in consideration that the hyena is one of the most successful predators?
Although often marginalised, and not truly appreciated by many, gravediggers do play a very significant role in Botswana funerals. While they used to carry the hard work late in the night, few hours before the funeral, now it could be argued that culture, rightly so, has indeed evolved to take off the pressure from the diphiri. Graves are now dug during the day, at least in the southern part of Botswana where I come from.
The tools that these gentlemen (about 8-12) use are a couple of spades and 2 pickaxes.
Perhaps to bury my father, they gave him their best?
But did I give them my best, to say, thank them?
Is a carton of Chibuku Shake Shake my best?
Or a couple of diphaphatha bread with Four or Five Roses tea?
How about asking them whether their children, nieces and nephews have shoes to go to school?
How about I ask them whether they have applied for mananeo a banana?
How about starting a regional competition between the gravediggers?
How about making a documentary about these diphiri?
I was told significant things and people are celebrated,
I thought significant things and people were on TV? Print? Radio?
But how come I don’t see these diphiri? How come I don’t hear them? The only person I heard thanking them was the Ralekgotla, at the kgotla, shortly after we buried my father.
Ever since I had not heard a word of these so called “important” diphiri?
Perhaps like the name suggests they are just wild opportunistic hyenas?
Blessing Kgosi e tsile Kgasa 