ATAVISTIC ECHOES AT BIKO MEMORIAL

By OMOSEYE BOLAJI

It was a sombre occasion when the 33rd anniversary of the demise of Steve Biko swung into gear at the Pax Nova Hall in Bochabela, Mangaung at the weekend

Steve Biko of course was the legendary South African freedom fighter who had wisdom, sagacity and perspicacity far beyond his years in the 70s, and cruelly lost his life during detention by the powers that be during the apartheid era. He died in 1977 at the age of 31

Biko has become more than an icon these days, a man who has inspired a multitude of activists; the manner of his death brought in its wake anguish, exceeding sadness and horror. He was one of the harbingers of true freedom in the country. Now that the new South Africa is very much a reality, Biko’s legacy can never be forgotten

Hence the stalwarts, the die-hard followers of Biko were very much in their element at the Pax Nova hall, with a plethora of tributes to Steve Biko. It was eye opening to see cultural workers both young and old coming together to honour the man who died over 30 years ago.

South Africa remains a very intriguing country, and as a general writer, journalist and editor I have to mingle with a myriad of people. At one end of the scale are the likes of Raselebeli Khotseng and Mpikeleni Duma who were very much part of the struggle during apartheid, and whose personal, first hand testimony was very moving during the Biko anniversary

And then we have the likes of Hector Kunene, Jah rose and Neo Mvubu , young talented writers and poets who have to do their research on people like Steve Biko before they can do anything in his name! Indeed some of the writers are so young that they do not even know how hellish life was during apartheid in their own country!

Alas they hardly realise how privileged they are now in our conspicuous materialistic world, replete with so many material ancillaries. Though I was happy when Neo Mvubu read the book Mine Boy published many decades ago by a disadvantaged coloured south African (Peter Abrahams0. Neo was so much impressed by the book – and even reviewed it for international audience – and at last had an inkling of the horrific life eked out by blacks decades ago in her own country.

Hence the tribute to Steve Biko at Bochabela – in honour of the departed celebrated icon - went on smoothly. Speakers and cultural activists did their thing with elan - Mr Duma, guitarist Seleke, Jah rose, Hector Kunene, "Magic" Khotseng, Icebound, etc. What a way to honour a martyr!

CELEBRATING DEEPEST SPRINGS (By NMM DUMAN)

Celebrating Deepest Springs

The publication of a profound novel, Deepest Springs by a new black female author in South Africa is making waves in the literary fraternity here. I am so proud that I know the author, NMM Duman, a brilliant, sagacious, yet modest lady. Among the reviews of the new book, I am particularly enamoured with the one of Rebaone Motsalane, which I am reproducing below…

“I strongly believe that had this book been written in Sesotho it would have had a far greater impact on me, but it is still an excellent book. You could tell that the writer is proud of her origins as she has done a lot of research and did not want to compromise any Sesotho words to have a great impact and for the reader to fully understand the meaning. She could easily have settled for an English translation and given a detailed meaning.

The “Deepest Springs” tells a great love story from an African (black) point of view and is not a westernized version that we see black people have adapted to because of acculturation. It made great sense for someone to come who comes from a rural background and greatly appreciates nature at its best.

The storyline is about two lovers from a rural background whose love survives so much. In the end they beat many trials and tribulations that fate throws at them. But the storyline does not end depending on your views of life. To me it could be about a love story but for the next person it could be about marriage, how traditions put pressure on women and how men expect their women to be in a male dominated society.

It could also be about migrant labourers, how women were and are on their own, keeping the household running when their husbands are too busy providing for their families and ignoring the impact their absence has on their loved ones. This still happens today as women still play the same role keeping the home fires burning while men gallivant in the name of securing better lives for their families.

The story centres on two main characters. One seems too strong (for her own good) It is not surprising, as in real liofe this is exactly what happens in many marriages. Sometimes women are too strong but tolerate abuse in the name of love and happiness.

Our main character goes through a lot. Most black women will identify with her, especially regarding the expectation and pressures that in-laws put on their daughter in law. This abuse continues for years, as those who were abused in the early stages of their married life as makoti (daughter-in-laws) treat their sons’ wives with the same bitterness and hurl the same insults at them.

This book is a must read for mother and daughter-in-laws to be a mirror to them of how physical or emotional abuse can have a long lasting effect and also for husbands to take the much needed courage to stop the abuse hurled at wives”.
(Review by Rebaone Motsalane)