When I was a little boy – in the late 1980s- it was the ‘leboso’ who captured our imagination as most wanted to work in the mines or live in Gauteng. However, as we reached puberty in the mid 1990s, joining the army became popular as miners lost the attention to soldiers. ‘Skwata,’ they were affectionately called.
Sometime in the mid to late 1990s, on a Sunday morning, I joined my cousin Shima to Ga Kebuang Ward for a military funeral. I did not know the deceased, who was in his mid to late 20s – I think. However, like most people, I wanted to see for myself the well-talked about final send-off given to soldiers.
At the funeral, people talked about the energetic army personnel who pitched the fancy tent in a few minutes, assisted in digging the grave and slaughtered some cattle brought by the army.
I think that some of the boys in attendance were particularly inspired to join the army following the well attended unique funeral, which included symbolic military traditions such as the graveside gun salute.
Rest in Peace Skwata.
Blessing Kgosi e tsile Kgasa 