ACT 1 SCENE V

The village elders gathered early in the morning to plan for the ordination of Mangi as Chief of the Barwa people. Amongst them is Naledi Mangi‘s sister, Mukunda and Mangi himself.

ELDER 1

Good morning fellow elders, heir to the chieftainship and the family. We are gathered today to discuss the ordination of Mangi as chief of the Barwa people. Without wasting time I will hand over to the elder in charge to take over the proceedings.

ELDER 2

Good morning fellow elders, heir to the chieftainship and the family. As we all know that when chief Sangwe died we were left with one choice to pick as heir that is Mangi. We have seen the young man grow and over the years he has shown strength and potential as a leader. We are therefore ready to endorse him as leader to the Barwa people. However it of my great consent that the young man is still not married.  

(All laugh)

Ha… ha …ha

ELDER 2

It is a matter to laugh about but of great importance at the same time. Tracing back the history of our leaders, there has never been a chief that has been endorsed chief while he was single. Marriage gives one dignity and respect amongst people but most of all it matures and prepares one to be a father. You will be a father to the Barwa people so why not find your love now. It is not up to us to choose who you marry, that is your choice. You make your own decision, you find you own love. We hope to endorse you soon after you have married and with the showing of hands how many of us would agree to that?

All lift their hands in agreement.

ELDER 2

I believe I have said it all.

ELDER 1

 Thank you elder. I would now give this opportunity to the royal family to speak out if they have anything to say.  

MANGI

 I do not have anything to say or go against.

ELDER 1

Mukunda, since you the second possible heir should misfortune fall to your brother. Do you have anything to say?

MUKUNDA

I do not have anything at the moment.

ELDER 1

And finally Naledi queen of Barwa.

NALEDI

I do not have anything to say in relations to this but I have concerning the foreign mistress. I would like to know the council’s verdict on the situation.

MANGI

Concerning that we are currently not at a position to pass any judgment or whatsoever. We will have to talk to the education board first and then we can handle the matter from there.

ELDER 1

Thank you for coming, please enjoy the rest of the proceedings the party can begin now.

Just like every village meeting it all ends with laughter, dance and beer. Mangi did not last the whole night he had to retire early because in the morning he was to go and see Rachel the foreign mistress.

Before the shadows had gained the full form of their reflection and before the dew had turned to water Mangi was up already. He did not want to be so late that people would see him and raise eyebrows neither did he want to be so early lest he finds her still sleeping. The distance from Mangi’s home and the teacher’s compounds was not far. It was good enough for one to ponder on whatever he will say when on the road. Just as planned Mangi arrived at the cottage to find the mistress awake and with a few people noticing his presence.

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written by Hawulethu Patrice Dube

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