ACT 2 SCENE II

MANGI’S HEARING.

The wait for the night was finally over. It was not only Mangi and Mukunda that were anxiously waiting, the whole village was too. News and rumors in Barwa are like a pregnant cow. No matter how hard the cow tries to hide, its breast will show off its secret. They are no secrets in Barwa.  No one was late for the meeting, present in the meeting were the eight elders, Mukunda and Mangi and close family members.

ELDER 1

Good evening fellow elders, heir to the chieftainship and the family. We are gathered here today because of situation that has arisen. A few of weeks ago new teacher joined us. She is no different from other teachers only that she was not raised and modelled by our own people’s values and beliefs. It has therefore, come to our attention that the heir to our chieftainship has developed a close relationship with the mistress that includes buying of a bed, frequent visits and special treatment at school. While on the other hand they has been talk and murmuring around the village on why such is happening. And most are saying the mistress’s relationship with the heir to the throne is a threat to our beliefs and values as the Barwa people. Therefore a request has been sent to ask Mangi to end whatsoever relations he has with the mistress, take back the bed he borrowed her and give her proper treatment she deserves. I will allow the council to pass its verdict on the matter.

ELDER 2

We hear your case and plea, who amongst us is standing for the plea?

MUKUNDA

I am.

ELDER 2

On what grounds?

MUKUNDA

On grounds to protect and preserve the reputation of the royal family, preservation of our culture and consideration of the views and interest of the Barwa people.

ELDER 3

I am also standing in support of the plea. We all know what kind of a people we are. And for a long time we have carefully watched and made sure that we protect our culture. Part of protecting our culture is being distant with other cultures lest they contaminate our long preserved way of doing things. Mangi will be ordained chief soon and as earlier discussed we raised that it is important that he marries. If he marries a foreign woman, how would you think our own daughters will look at themselves. Is it not a disgrace to our wives that they failed to raise a woman worth to be married by a chief?

ELDER 4

I hear what all of you are saying and all your points are valid. Yes it is of great concern that the young man has fallen in love with a strange woman. We all love our culture and want to protect it. I also want to do that. But we should consider one thing; the values do not make the people. It is the people that make the values. Because Mangi has fallen for a foreign woman does not mean they are no woman in Barwa. They are still beautiful but the heart sees more than beauty. We cannot stop a man when he has found love. I would like to hear from Mangi himself what he has in his mind. Do you agree to the allegation being laid against you?

MANGI

Good evening elders and the family. I have heard your plea and concern. I am still  loyal and patriotic to the Barwa.  I will not deny any allegations that have been laid on me all are true. Yes I have fallen in love with a strange woman. None of this was meant to offend my sisters and your daughters. It was not my will that my heart was captured I too fell into this trap they call love.

ELDER 1

Since you have heard from Mangi himself, we can now pass on the judgment. As spoken earlier we said Mangi should be refrained from having any close relations with the mistress, he returns the bed he gave to the mistress and treats her as other mistresses would be treated. We will vote.

As planned Mukunda was able to win votes and Mangi asked to return the bed.

MUKUNDA

What if Mangi does not follow the conditions we have agreed on today?

ELDER 2

A chief cannot rule without the blessing of the elders and the approval of the people. I suggest Mangi chooses wisely. Its either you put your long kept history in a risk or you let her go. On that note we can go back to our homes rejoice and rest for there is a long day ahead of us tomorrow.

There was neither laughter nor beer after the meeting every men went straight to their homes.

#keep reading i will keep writing.

written by Hawulethu Patrice Dube

a saxjaz7 production

all rights reserved

 follow me @hawulethu

like our page on Facebook ''There is a Zulu in my blog''