Football power in Tebogo and the pantophagist

By Pule Lechesa



It is always a thrill to see another Tebogo Mokoena (detective) novelette written. This new one by Omoseye Bolaji is titled Tebogo and the pantophagist (2010). From the blurb we learn:

“In Tebogo’s seventh (published) adventure, he sets out to ferret out an enigmatic gentleman in the Eastern Cape who is on the cusp of making a discovery that might shake the world. Hence Tebogo (or Solomon Takang as he’s known in this case!) immerses himself again in the teeming underworld where alcohol, drugs and shady ladies hold sway.

Tebogo is doing quite well until he makes the acquaintance of Debbie, another tantalising lady, who seemingly puts the spanner in the works…”

This story is less complicated than the others and the elements of mystery are mainly concentrated in chapters one, and nine. But here I want to emphasise the aspect of the football loving side of the author that emerges again in this new work.

Bolaji has published countless articles on soccer football over the years in newspapers and magazines all over the world. In fact he was one of the first black Africans to contribute lengthy articles on football to the British based international magazine, World Soccer. It is no surprise that sometimes his love for the sport emerges clearly in his works.

Perhaps the most vivid example of this occurs in Bolaji’s play, The subtle transgressor (2006) where one of the characters, Malome reminisces on his time in England, saying:

“You know, I will never forget that my visit to England in June 1990…it was summer then over there though of course it was winter here in South Africa…those white people, they love sports! My stay there coincided with the soccer World Cup in 1990. I never knew those whites could be so emotional! I remember when England had to win against Egypt to make to the next round. Then their defender Mark Wright scored and the whole country was thrown into ecstasy, and Wright became a hero…England got to the semi finals and with their infectious excitement I found myself supporting them. Against…ah, Belgium in the next round the match went into extra time, then David Platt won the game for England with a great volley. England needed penalties to defeat our African team, Cameroon, and then in the semi final they met Germany. I think in those days it was West Germany. Yes. Germany seemed to be winning the game, then Gary Lineker equalised for England…what joy in London at that moment! But the joy turned to tragedy when…ah, Pearce and Waddle missed penalties for England and they could not make it to the final. Imagine England winning the World Cup!”
(Page 33)

In this new work, Tebogo and the pantophagist something along these lines occurs when Tebogo meets William at a “joint” and we read:

‘This was William’s cue to launch into a lengthy speech. He said: “You are very right. I’m a teacher you know, just like you – but I’ve been teaching for many years. In the past in my youth I spent about ten years abroad, in exile (some whites call it ‘voluntary exile’ now to water it down, but those of us involved know the truth! My passion was, still is football…international football. I don’t mind telling you I am writing a book about football; it will be one of the greatest moments of my life when it is published. Sort of capsule of my lifetime love for football,”

“Which club do you support?” I said, wondering whether all this drinking was really good for me! “What club do you write about in the book?”

He stared at me as if a bit disappointed; as if I was so parochial in outlook!

“It’s not gonna be a book about partisan things like clubs,” he said. It’s going to be a book of international interest focusing on extraordinary players, skilful, creative players – those who could unhinge defences. The only thing is that I will try to bring many African players over the decades into the loop. Think of great international players like Pele, like Maradona, like Michel Platini, Ronaldinho, Glenn Hoddle, Pierre Litbarski, Bernd Schuster, Van Basten, Johan Cruyf, Beckenbauer …the all time greats.

“Then there are many African players over the decades who were fantastic. Legendary Eusebio of Portugal was actually from Africa originally, and maybe we can slot in the Zinadine Zidanes, Patrick Vieira (Arsenal great) etc. Thanks to the World Cup, the world knows about the likes of Belloumi, Rabah Madjer (Algeria), Roger Milla (Cameroon), Austin Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo (Nigeria) There are many others not so well known outside Africa; but research and documentaries from previous African Nations Cup finals show their greatness…players like Segun Odegbami, Adokiye Amesiemeka, Youssuf Fofana.

“Of course there’ll be a section about outstanding South African footballers too, like Motaung, Jomo Sono, Shoes Moshoeu, Doctor Khumalo…maybe the World Cup we are hosting (2010) will reveal potentially world class South African players who might be waiting in the wings now…”
(page 42)

There is a nice touch to this new work of Bolaji’s, as he has dedicated the book to Gloria Marobele, the young journalist who died prematurely in a car crash. The cover illustration is by Moses Sebitlo.

* Tebogo and the pantophagist will be launched on January 4 (2010) in the City of Roses

ASK TEBOGO: Is it a Mystery story?

By Raphael Mokoena (QwaQwa)

Petro Schonfeld’s book titled Tebogo on the prowl (2006) is a critique of the “Tebogo Detective series” which comprises four books written by O Bolaji. A private sleuth, Tebogo Mokoena, holds sway in all the four books: Tebogo Investigates (2000), Tebogo’s spot of bother (2001), Tebogo Fails (2003), and Ask Tebogo (2004). It seems Petro does not believe there is “any mystery” in Ask Tebogo

An impressive critique, Tebogo on the prowl was praised upon publication by many. As one voracious reader told me then: “At last, you critics have an excellent work which you cannot knock, written by a perceptive white lady. Even YOU won’t be able to criticize her critique!”

But hold on! Perhaps we should not get too carried away. Petro’s critique is very good, but like all other works, it is not above criticism. Here I intend to focus on a few aspects in her new book which might raise one’s eyebrow a little. At the back of our minds we must remember the book is written by a female (and I am not being sexist here) which in some ways affect the whole critique.

Firstly she spends quite a lot of time pondering on some of the “fine gentlemen”, or otherwise in the series, Tebogo Mokoena, chiefly. She has her doubts as to whether he is a “real gentleman”; but the problem is that the critic is conceptualizing a “gentleman” as being a “perfect man”. The truth is that “gentleman” is a relative term. An international example that comes to mind is the screen version of James Bond, 007. He is impeccably dressed, suave, smooth, charming – a woman’s dream. Yet he has killed dozens of countless people, male and female, and he is also an outrageous philanderer.

And can we expect a private detective to be a “perfect gentleman” anyway? The image of a private sleuth made famous by great writers like Mickey Spillane, Peter Cheyney, Sidney Sheldon etc is largely that of a seedy, ruthless, unconscionable individual. Agatha Christie gave us the cerebral, though elderly Hercule Poirot. Bolaji’s creation, Tebogo Mokoena, is a much younger version of Poirot in the sense of being more of a “gentleman” which is a triumph in itself. A young detective who doesn’t ruffle feathers much! Smooth, cunning, conscionable. Nobody would expect such a person to be “perfect” or he would not solve any cases!

Critic Petro obviously appreciates much of the humour that runs through the Tebogo series. Thus it is strange that sometimes she singles out certain excerpts from the books, not realizing that they are actually part of the humour. An example is where she writes: “(Tebogo) pays her (Toluana, his secretary/assistant) such a good salary that he can’t afford a watch”!. It is incredible that the critic does not realize that Tebogo was actually joking with Toluana here!

Petro makes too much of Tebogo’s love for Khanyi the young lady “(In Ask Tebogo) “To one’s dismay, (Khanyi) dwindles to a nonentity in his last novelette…” she writes; but it is arguable that this is in no way the case. Tebogo’s relationship with Khanyi is already firmly established by the time of the investigation in Ask Tebogo. His initial (first flush) exhilarating, exaggerated love for her must have by now been wearing a little thin; he no longer has to refer to her every time again. She is certainly not a co-investigator with him; even in Tebogo Fails when he first meets, and falls for her, he does NOT confide in her as regards his investigation. Toluana, his “assistant” knows little about practical details of his investigations. No doubt many readers (females?) enjoyed Tebogo’s “love affair” with Khanyi in Tebogo Fails. But when critic Petro writes: “To the delight of the reader he meets Khanyi in Tebogo Fails”, the “delight” here applies to the critic in question, not “every reader”.

Indeed, respected critic Peter Moroe whilst reviewing Tebogo Fails writes almost dismissively: “The book Tebogo Fails starts – and ends – with some romantic notions which for the purposes of this review I prefer to discount”. This shows quite clearly that Tebogo’s new found love is NOT integral to, and does not really affect the plot of the story. And because Tebogo reads an essay or two of the deceased Dave in Ask Tebogo at night, critic Petro suggests this means that he has forgotten Khanyi! Of course not! The general reader would know that his love for Khanyi is now firmly established and need not become a case of “gilding the lily”. Just as a man can spend nights with the partner he loves, with his professional life going on to all intents and purposes, during the day.

Petro also feels that Tebogo, if he were a “gentleman” should have told one female acquaintance about the woman he really loved. Yet there was no real relationship between Tebogo and Desire! It is clear that Tebogo was just investigating and was seeing things through to a logical conclusion whilst finding out the truth. Few mature men would even dream of telling women such things, even their own partners; and Tebogo, astute, a pragmatist to the core should not be expected to do so. Experience would have shown the average man that confiding such a thing to a female partner is looking for unnecessary trouble “foolishly putting one’s head in a pot” as renowned African author, Chinua Achebe would have put it.

Also at the end of her critique Petro unfortunately perpetrates some sort of fraud on readers by writing: “The story ends (in Ask Tebogo)…with no revealing twist. Instead Tebogo subconsciously saw the culprit enter. He was pre-occupied with Dave’s essays. He is left to reflect serenely: “We are …puppets in the hands of the creator”. This is in fact a textual and factual perversity. The critic distorts the end of Ask Tebogo here because of her preoccupation with Khanyi. What actually happens is that in his logical way, despite any sympathy for Dave, Tebogo sees the case through to the very end. When he tells the murderer near the end of the book: “Maybe you can show the (police) officer where you hid the knife…the one you first stabbed Dave with” at the correct psychological moment, prodding him to show the police where he actually hid it (the knife), Tebogo hits the nail on the head again and triumphs. For Petro to attempt to whittle this down and refer to an almost insignificant quote referred to much earlier, some 20 pages ago(!), is intellectual dishonesty. Tebogo does NOT reflect on “puppets” et al at the end of the book as Petro writes!

It might well be that author Bolaji exaggerates the good qualities of Dave, but even critic Petro admits that even if this were so, it is a convincing portrait. From the essays themselves Dave whilst alive realized only too well that he was far from perfect; but would the society not be much better for it if many more individuals strived for decency and integrity? Daily we witness or hear about horrific inhuman acts perpetrated in our society by both the old and the young. Is it not one of the writer’s duties to show that decency and ideals at grassroots’ level should be praised? I for one have no problem with a relevant work that emphasizes integrity and moves the society ahead, even at the possible price of weakening its detective appeal.

The Growth of Free State Black Writing (2009 edition)

THE GROWTH OF FREE STATE BLACK WRITING (Part 8)

The latest edition of The growth of Free State Black Writing (2009) journal is out. The series has been published since 2002, and this is the eighth edition. Reproduced hereunder is the Introduction to the latest edition by its long-standing editor, Peter Moroe...


INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK BY PETER MOROE


In September this year (2009) the Mangaung Local Municipality (MLM) in conjunction with the Bloemfontein Public Library did a remarkable thing. They orchestrated an Awards ceremony wherefore black writers in the Free State were honoured. Nor were these awards limited to “established, published” authors – virtually all recognized writers who had made their mark in the society were lauded and honoured.

Writers honoured thus included the "luminaries" like Omoseye Bolaji, Flaxman Qoopane, Thabo Mafike, Lebohang Thaisi, Pule Lechesa, Saint George Vis; others like Seleke Botsime, Richard “Skietreker” Seape, Bareng Dichabe, Raselebeli Khotseng, Jah Rose were also honoured, among others. They were all presented with special certificates; and illuminating speeches were delivered by key speakers.

It was an occasion that spoke volumes of the fact that Free State Black writing continues to thrive. This year (2009) a lot of progress continues to be made. New writers continue to emerge, others who were fairly established before, published books. Poetry in particular continues to grow by leaps and bounds.

In this wise the likes of Neo Mvubu, Richard “Skietreker” Seape, Magic Khotseng, and the exciting Tiisetso M Thiba are doing very well. Tiisetso in particular has impressed so many lovers of poetry this year, and two of his poems are published in this edition of The Growth of Free State Black Writing.

Saint George Vis made waves with the publication of Indaba with Free State writers this year. This important work follows on the early Free State Writers Talking (2002). The new book has been favourably received and two of the reviews of the work are published here. Writers interviewed in Vis’ book include Pule Lechesa, Charmaine Kolwane, Teboho Masakala, Neo Mvubu, Richard Skietreker Seape, Thabo Mafike, among others.

Young writer, Teboho Masakala has also impressed many literary observers this year, with his sudden emergence. His forte at the moment seems to be short stories – and a sample of his work is published here. Much is expected in future from this young man.

Another writer of short fiction – Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga (based in Bloemfontein) published his debut work this year: Enemy of the State. The book comprises some ten short stories which are enthralling in their own way. Pule Lechesa’s superb review of the new book is published here.

As for the multiple award-winning Omoseye Bolaji, another full length work was added to the many studies (books) published on his literary work, this year. The new book is called: Omoseye Bolaji: Further perspectives; edited by Julia Mooi. Because of this new book, there is hardly any need to publish the recent shorter articles on the works of Bolaji here – though one impressive article is published here (“Folksiness in Tebogo and the epithalamion”)

In conclusion let me just state that this is the EIGHTH edition of this series! We are all proud of it, and the fact that burgeoning and established writers from our beloved Province continue to make this publication worthwhile. See you next time around!
- Peter Moroe (Editor)

TOP WRITER HONOURED AGAIN

Mangaung. 8th September 2009

Omoseye Bolaji has received another award – this time courtesy of the Mangaung Local Municipality (in conjunction with Words of Ink literary association) which honoured him “In recognition of Valuable Contributions to Literature in the Free State” He, and others, also received assorted gifts at the ceremony.

The occasion, which honoured selected writers, drew representatives from government, libraries, the media, multinational firms etc. Venue was the Bloemfontein Public Library in the heart of Mangaung.

Omoseye Bolaji has collected many accolades and awards for his writing prowess and role as a literary catalyst at grassroots level over the years. Recent honours include a Chieftaincy title Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Chancellor’s Medal from the University of the Free State. He has published about 25 books which include lots of riveting fiction, poetry, drama, literary criticism, biographies and general works.

Bolaji’s literary works have been liberally evaluated over the years with many authors publishing studies and critical books on his writing. Countless articles have also been published on his works, many of which appear on copious websites on the Internet. A recent book on his writing is Julia Mooi’s Omoseye Bolaji: Further Perspectives (2009)

The writers expressed gratitude to MLM and the Bloemfontein Public library for honouring them in this way. Talking about his “role models” Bolaji told the media later on that “literary icons, especially African ones” have always filled him with exhilaration and motivated him since he was a kid. “In the African context I have always greatly admired and looked up to the African literary greats,” he said. “And there are so many of them now, over the decades. I have writers like Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Cyprian Ekwensi, Ola Rotimi, Ayi Kwei Armah, Camara Laye, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Ama Ata Aidoo, Kofi Awoonor, Es’kia Mphahlele, Peter Abrahams, Miriam Tlali, Sedar Senghor, and Dambudzo Marechera in mind.”

He added: “In more recent times the likes of Tsitsi Dangarembga, Zakes Mda, Njabulo Ndebele, Ben Okri, Yvonne Vera among others have become African literary legends too and are highly respected. It would please me no end if more and more African people from the so-called grassroots can read and relish the works of as many of these writers as possible,”

Also honoured at the occasion were writers like Pule Lechesa, Lebohang Thaisi, and Kgang Abel Motheane.

Unbridled erotic adventure turns sour

FICTION


Unbridled erotic adventure turns sour!

By Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga

When Tichaona’s father died his family thought it wise for him to follow the footsteps of his father. Tichaona was 20 years old when his father died. He had just finished his advanced levels and wanted to continue with his studies. Now there was no one to pay for his fees, no one to look after his mother, brothers and sisters. His late father was a solider who fought in the liberation struggle and later joined the government after independence. He was well respected, so it was easy for his son to join the army as well. He always wanted to be a lawyer but now fate had other ideas.

Tichaona submitted the certified photocopies of his birth certificate and educational qualifications. After two weeks he was invited for medicals which he passed. Now it was time to go for eighteen months’ training. His mother cooked rice and chicken for him and bid him farewell. He heard many stories about this training, how people died or got injured, but he was man enough. The first three months were really hard; there was not enough time to sleep and not enough food to eat. But as time ticked by he got more and more used to the system. Things became even spicier because he met a girl that he loved very much. Pamela was not exactly beautiful but she had an appetizing body. She was pretty; smart but her most valuable asset was her backside. It was neither big nor small.

Time flew without him noticing. He only realized when it was time for pass out that it was over. Pamela was always beside him, and by the time they finished their training they had made up their minds that they were going to get married.

Meet Lieutenant Sithole who was a brave and strict solider feared and respected in the whole camp. He was a merciless man. His main weakness was ladies. He could not keep his eyes away from women. Most solders in the camp knew this and they disliked him for it. There were rumors that he had affairs with some of their wives but there was just not enough proof for it. This camp was in the middle of two cities along a highway. The highway was about 20 km away from the camp but in the middle of a forest. One day Ltd Sithole was coming from the highway when he saw a group of people along the way to the camp. It was the custom to help people because the distance from the highway to the camp was too long. Although there were many people there, it was one young lady that captured his adulterous eye.

Meanwhile Tichaona went to see his uncle and told him about Pamela; and together with the other brothers of his late father they organized the marriage of Tichaona and Pamela. Pamela was welcomed into the family. Luckily for them they were posted to the same camp and it made things easier for them. There was a war in the neighboring country and they were sending peace keepers there. Most of the senior solders were not willing to go to this peace –keeping because an unacceptable number of their colleagues died there. So the army officials selected some recruits, and some experienced solders. Tichaona was very unlucky because he was among the new recruits selected. It was too early to leave his new wife behind but there was nothing he could do. He had to oblige with the law of the nation.

Lfd Sithole made his investigations and found out that this pretty young woman he was now enamoured with was married. This did not however stop him from trying his luck. He was anxiously waiting for the perfect moment. He had been in this game for a long time and he knew what to do to win a lady! One day he was coming from the city when he saw Pamela, the lady in question, standing on the highway. He stopped the car and waited for her to come. She tried to open the back door but it was locked. He opened the front door and gestured for her to come in. Pamela came and sat beside her boss. That is what the man wanted and planned.

This was step number one. They drove off quietly because there was nothing to say. The LFT then started to ask her some questions including her name, where she came from and so on. Along the way he pretended to be concentrating too much and as he was changing his gears he touched Pamela’s hip. Pamela moved her leg further away and he apologized as if he didn’t know what he was doing. He knew it was just a matter of time…

One day the Lieutenant called her (Pamela) to his office and gave her a job to do. Pamela was still young and rather inexperienced in this game. With her husband, Tichaona away on military assignment it was very tempting to have an affair with her boss. Things were tough and she could get some favors and some cash from this man but she knew she had to play her game carefully and secretly. That was how the whole affair started. Pamela failed to bear in mind that most soldiers knew this man and his shameful reputation. It did not take them long to figure out that there was something going on here.

In this camp there was a soldier who came from the same village with Tichaona. He knew the late father of Tichaona and he treated him just like his own son. He did not like what was going on and was not going to let it go like this. After six months Tichaona was given a break to go home. Pamela was very happy to see her husband again but in her heart she felt guilty.

Tichaona knew nothing and has been waiting for this moment for a long time, excited. His neighbor was happy to see him and was going to use this chance to talk to him. He invited Tichaona to his home. When the two men were alone in the room he started his story. “Tichaona your father was my best friend. You are just like a son to me. I don’t want to see you suffer. I am going to tell you something and it is not good news. I want you to be strong and be man enough. You must hold your emotions and nerves. Your wife is cheating on you with Lft Sithole. I know this is too much for you but I had to tell you.”

Tichaona was not ready for this. He had been really excited to be home but now he wished he had never been born. He was shocked, dizzy and traumatized. Why did it have to be him? He trusted his father’s friend; he could not lie to him. When the man went to the toilet, Tichaona went outside and sat on top of a rock in front of the yard holding his head. Who could he share this bad news with? He finally decided to take the bus to the village to see his mother’s brother. Upon his arrival his uncle knew there was something terribly wrong.

Tichaona could not even put a smile on his face as he used to do. Tichaona did not waste time; he narrated the whole story to his uncle. Seeing that the young man was in pain the uncle asked him to follow him. They went to see one of his friends who knew how to punish people who run after other people’s wives. The uncle narrated the story to his friend. “So son what do you want me to do to this man your boss?”

Tichaona looked at his uncle and then said, his voice filled with anguish “I want to catch them in action.” The man disappeared into another room and came back after twenty minutes with a knife in his hand. “Take this knife, when you reach home put it somewhere in the house. When your wife comes, tell her to give it to you. By locking this knife she will be locking herself…that’s African ‘juju’ and justice for you.” Tichaona thanked the old man and they left. He didn’t waste time to take the bus back to town.

By sunset he was back home in the camp. He did what the man said he must do and the unsuspecting wife obliged, not knowing that she was “locking herself”. The following morning Tichaona told his wife that he was going to see his mother and he would come back after a week.

The two lovers had been waiting for this chance for a long time. During the same night that Tichaona left the two lovers went to their love nest. They locked themselves in each other’s arms. Within seconds they were both naked. In the next ten minutes they were in their own world. A world where Tichaona and the Lft’s own legitimate wife would never be welcome! After the session, the Lft rested a bit on top of his mistress. Then it was time to disengage. The LFt could not take his manhood out of the mistress. Both of them were necked and tied together like dogs do after intercourse. Panic gripped them but it became even worse. What could they do to fight this nightmare? Nothing! What horror!!! Nor could they call for help as they were committing adultery…
Maxwell lives in Mangaung, Free State

Indaba with Free State Writers - a review

Indaba with Free State Writers

A Review by Paul Lothane

Indaba with Free State Writers (2009) which has just been published, is an exciting book, and should be praised. It is a very important work that St George Vis has put together. However looking at literature generally, and reading between the lines, one can not but harbour some forebodings.

The perceptive critic or analyst finds himself wondering: What is the relevance of literature to us as black people? Do we appreciate the efforts of our writers? Do we even remember them? What have we done to preserve their legacy? These and other questions come to mind after going through this book. Firstly, one must concede that there are some excellent interviews in the work, none more so than that of the breath-taking Kgosietsile Dinthloane. I was impressed with Mr. Lechesa’s comments too, and others had important things to say every now and then.

But what saddens me is that even among virtually all the writers there is scant praise or even acknowledgement of other writers. Out of these interviews hardly anybody mentions or discusses the literary works of poets like Job Mzamo and Lebohang Thaisi (apart from Lechesa briefly). Can it really be that their books published almost ten years ago, have inspired none of the writers? Why is it that even among the young writers their main inspiration seems to come from overseas writers?

Even much worse is the fact that none of the writers interviewed mention Gilbert Modise or Pule Lebuso, writers who were so much in love with literature when they were alive and (Modise in particular) who published many works. Both these writers are dead now and if nobody pays them tributes in the Province they hailed from, what is the future of our literature in particular? Did Modise and Lebuso inspire none of the writers over the years? White scholars and academics try to keep the legacy of such writers alive in their works; so why can’t we black people do so?

Why is it that in the European, western world, the people there continue to celebrate the achievements and varied evaluation of their own writers decades and centuries after they have passed on? (eg Emily Bronte, Shakespeare, Christie, Ellery Queen, and Smollet) . Why is it so difficult for us to follow suit? Is enough being done to promote the writings of our key black writers here?

Or – as many suspect – is it a terrible legacy of the “phd” (pull him/her down) syndrome that continues to drag we black Africans backwards? In the literary world it is clear enough to see that a double handicap afflicts most of us: we often undermine the efforts of other writers, yet we hate to have our own works criticized! Do we not realize that if we are not criticized it means we are not being read by the proper people and we are headed into oblivion? That all we have published becomes a waste of time?

All this of course is not the fault of Mr. Vis who can not be blamed for the misgivings of others (and I love the way he reproduces a quote from Gilbert Modise in the “preface”). I look at a writer like Bolaji – and it is clear that his legacy will be there for a long time. We should all learn from him. He is never afraid for his books to be dissected, evaluated, criticized and he is now one of Africa’s celebrated writers internationally. What is the point of publishing books if people are not aware of them, or they are not discussed? Indaba with Free State Writers is indeed an important work, and one hopes it will spur writers on to appreciate what literature is all about.

SHOCKER OVER FLAXMAN QOOPANE

Shocker over Flaxman Qoopane

By Mphutlane wa Bofelo (Prominent poet and literary activist)

"WHEN WRITERS JOIN THE STRUGGLE AGAINST STRUGGLING WRITERS
As for the poets, do not listen to them. Do you not see them, how they wander in every valley , and utter what they do not do?"- Quran

I feel angry and disppointed, my strong faith in human beings has been shaken a bit and my cynical attitude towards the breed that calls itself , "voices of the voiceless" is bound to increase. We always rave against the exploitation of literary, visual and performing artists and point our middle-fingers at the middle-men\women who rake in millions at the expense of writers while the guys who do all the hardwork die as paupers and only receive post-humous allocades. But what happens when writers abuse the confidence that fellow writers have in them to become more shrewd, heartless and kleptomaniac middle-men?

I met the renowned Bloemfontein poet, journalist, writer and "literary activist", Flaxman Qoopane at the launch of my book “The Heart’s Interpreter” in 2007. He was a guest speaker at our event and his talk incited a long debate on kagablog about elitist and grassroots\ organic writers, good and bad poetry, etc. At the launch Qoopane introcuded himself to me as a book agent and offered to sell my books for me. Though he could not recall me, I had met Qoopane in the 90's in Bloemfontein at a writers and artists conference discussing the white paper on arts and culture, and I also had read reviews of his works in newspapers. Because of his reputation as a literary activist and the fact that his credentials includes former MK fighter,.I immediately gave him a copy each of "Remembrance and Salutation" and " The Heart's Interpreter". He requested these to be able to show to prospective book-buyers.

Trying to get in contact with Qoopane on his mobile-phone after this became a very difficult task. His phone was continously on the voicemail or it rang without him picking it up. This made me to smell a rat. So, in November 2008, when he contacted me to tell me that the Free State Library Services wanted to buy 150 copies of my book through his Qoopane Literary Services, I asked him to put this in writing. Qoopane had told me on the phone that the library will buy my book, which cost, R100.00 at R60.00 a copy and he will take 10% commission. I had sold 150 copies of "The Heart's Interpreter" to the Free State Library Services without a middle-man before. There was absolutely no need to sell through Qoopane Literary Services other than just affirm a fellow writer and poet.

As I said, Qoopane's erratic behavior had made me feel jumpy, but my faith in humanity and my compassion for the underdog prevailed. Qoopane later wrote an e-mail with the following contents:

"My name is Jacob M. Qoopane. My company is Qoopane Literary Services cc registration No: 2008/19955/23. Our principal business is publishing, selling of books and literary gallery research. Send me 150 books Remembrance And Salutations by Mphutlane Wa Bofelo. Each book will cost a price of R60.00. After selling your book I will appreciate to be given 10% of R9000.00."
Yours creative writing,
Jacob Qoopane
2591 Hillside View
Bloemfontein
9323
073 565 7783

I then informed him that there are only 120 copies and he said I should post them. I posted the books to his address and he later acknowledged receipt of the books to me and confirmed this to my Bloemfontein-based fellow poet, Serame Makhele aka Icebound, as I had included two copies of Bluesology and Bofelosophy, one for Qoopane and one for Icebound. As soon as Qoopane had received the books, he stopped calling me and his mobile phone started going on voicemail or ringing forever without anyone answering. I enquired with Icebound about the whereabout of Qoopane and expressed my fear that he could be ill. Icebound got in touch with Qoopane who indicated that he had been ill, but is feeling better. Strangely I could not get in touch with him. When I finally got hold of him in May this year Qoopane told me that he will contact me at month-end and quickly put the phone down.

On Sunday ( 31` May 2009) I contacted Qoopane on his moblile phone and he told me he will talk to me on Monday (1 June 2009). I asked him whether the library services had given him the money. He replied, " I will give you your money from my pocket tomorrow". I asked:" Does this mean they have paid you?" He answered , "No, but I will give your money from my pocket." He promised to call me on Monday to take my account numbers.

On Monday (1 June 2009). I called the Library Services to enquire if they had bought the books. A lady by the name Annemarie confirmed that the library bought 120 copies and had paid Qoopane Literary Services for it in January this year (2009)! It is two o'clock on Monday (1 June), Qoopane has not returned to me and his phone keeps sending me straight to voicemail. Still having some hope in human beings, I leave a voice message, giving him two days to give me my money before I take legal action.

But how can writers do this to each other? Is it sheer greed or the conditions of being desperate? If it is the latter, why is it so difficult to pick up a phone and say "Listen my brother, I am sorry, the times wehere hard , and I used your money and I do not have the money now. I cannot promise you when to repay you, I am just broke" Of course, the times are hard, we all know that, if a brother is that honest there is nothing you can do but understand. But this nuisance, playing hide-and-seek, I just cannot take or understand, from a (former) freedom fighter nogal. Ja, you just have to be careful when you deal with people who tell you "I was in the struggle", when the struggle is far from being over.

* The matter has since been resolved

Teboho Masakala: Destined for greatness?

By Paul Lothane

Teboho Masakala, a proud Free Stater, is still only 21 years old but the literary fraternity is already drooling about him and predicting great things from him. He’s the latest whizz kid in imaginative writing.

Yet Teboho (not surprising because of his youth) has only thus far written a number of short stories, and published a few of them. But this has not stopped countless people raving about his talent and potential and praising him.

Peter Moroe, respected literary critic says: “It is understandable why there is excitement about Teboho Masakala. The truth is that imaginative writers from the grassroots are very few and thin on the ground, and are hardly encouraged anyway. Most writers just want to write poetry. But Teboho writes imaginative short stories and his potential is awesome. Really, this very young man – he is actually a ‘boy’ but one has to be politically correct these days – has the literary world at his feet. What impresses me most is that considering his youth you would expect a lot of naivety and inadequate characterization in his works, but that is not the case,”

Pule Lechesa, acknowledged as an impressive literary critic says more cautiously: “We should not go overboard about Teboho Masakala. His writing career, such as it is, has just started really. But internationally one must note for example that Uganda’s (late) great writer, John Ruganda started his career by writing and publishing short stories too, as Teboho is doing now. He should be encouraged. I understand the young man is very respectful with his feet on the ground,”

Teboho Masakala’s short stories (like The other side of love) have appeared in sundry publications and on the Internet. He is also scheduled to be published in the next edition of The growth of Free State Black Writing journal – an excellent start to his writing career.

Omoseye Bolaji, writer and literary activist who ensured that Teboho Masakala was published for the first time, says: “Sometimes I feel like Rip van Winkle - as if I have gone on too long! It’s great to see fine, fecund new writing talent emerging. Just within months, it was gratifying to see the awesome imaginative potential of very young writers like Neo Mvubu and Teboho Masakala,”

Over the decades African black literature has witnessed superb writers starting their careers with impressive short stories. Gomolemo Mokae and Es’kia Mphahlele published good short stories early in their careers. Chinua Achebe as a youngster in the University many decades ago began writing short stories which were published only much later on in book form. Literary commentators expect Teboho Masakala to write a novel (s) in due course.

“He must not be rushed,” Pule Lechesa however warns. “He (Teboho Masakala) must develop at his own pace. At the moment it’s too early to criticize his writing; all I can see so far is that he seems to love writing stories that end in tragedy and death! But I am sure I’m judging him prematurely,”

FOLKSINESS IN TEBOGO AND THE EPITHALAMION

Folksiness in Tebogo and the epithalamion

By Paul Lothane


Folksiness is often defined as a combination of being informal, affable and friendly; a characteristic of “simple country life”. Most would agree that this is something traditionally associated largely with black African people concentrated in certain areas, be it townships, towns, or even cities.

Hence we are used to expressions like “he’s my brother” “my brother from another woman” “my sister” etc being used for people who are in fact just acquaintances or even strangers. Folksiness, I hope to argue briefly here, is very much evident in Omoseye Bolaji’s latest work of fiction, Tebogo and the epithalamion (2009)

The action takes place in a small town where people are very much affable and “folksy” – from the very beginning, even Tebogo himself - a stranger here, is made to feel very welcome. In the first chapter Biggie goes out of his way to come to him, talk to him, and assumes Tebogo would sit down with him and talk. Tebogo is compliant and notes:

“I suppose that’s the beauty of we black folks – we don’t consider such things as an ‘imposition’. Rather I was a bit flattered…”

A bit later on Biggie invites Tebogo to the special ceremony:

“…there are some things you get to know through the locals. For example I am going to a special occasion now and I assure you (that) if you go with me you won’t regret it...the epithalamion.”

“The what?”

Biggie grinned. “I suppose that’s the ‘white’ word that comes closest to describing it…we have special singers that churn out these songs in honour of the bride. In our Sesotho language!”
(pages 8 – 9)

But Neo, the bride to be disappears and Tebogo is easily persuaded to help with investigations. He is invited to Mike’s house where of course he’s given “snacks…cakes and juice”. Then we follow Tebogo as he goes on to talk to “suspects”, or other characters, like Aaron, Seleke Chico, and Rose.

Aaron in fact is initially hostile – with some good reason, as Tebogo directly puts him (Aaron) on the defensive. The initial ambience is that of anger and indignation:

There was a deafening silence but only for a short while, as (Aaron) said: “What’s this rubbish about? Haven’t the police harassed me enough? Who cares if that tart disappears? What’s this for (expletive) sake!”

Yet a few minutes later the same Aaron becomes very affable and loquacious:

Aaron said (to Tebogo); “Pally, sit down and have a glass of drink…” (which Tebogo does, as they go on to talk)
(Page 27)

Chico, who comes across as tough as teak and not a man prone to being friendly, plays the perfect host when Tebogo inadvertently “visits” him at the farm:

Chico stared at me. Here was a strong man! On the few occasions we had met we had hardly talked, but now he was in an expansive mood. ‘Friend” he said to me “We never (really) got acquainted. In our neck of the woods here you can’t just walk past. You must have a tot of this stuff (alcohol)”
(Page 37)

The lady, Rose who has a baby for Seleke, the man who was about to wed Neo, is also entitled to feel cheated but when Tebogo, a complete stranger calls on her uninvited she is as welcoming as anybody can be under the circumstances. In fact she is sedately relaxing and drinking Coke with her sister when Tebogo enters her salon:

With old world courtesy both ladies stood up and ‘begged’ me to sit down. “Pls sir I’m Rose” the more slender one of the ladies said. “This is my sister, my older sister, ausi Maki…”
(Page 42)

Of course if one wants to be hypercritical here, one might argue that it was only logical that Rose would have offered Tebogo some Coke to drink (which she does not). Whether this is due to slack writing by the author is neither here nor there, though.

The important thing is how a chord of folksiness on the part of the people runs through this work. There is a strong, unforced feeling of camaraderie and bonhomie – in part also typified by the many jokes, smiles and grins – in Tebogo and the epithalamion. A feel good factor is reinforced despite the mystery involved; and it is almost as if we black Africans are reclaiming our heritage in the new Millennium.
· Paul Lothane wrote the Introduction to the book, Tebogo on the prowl a study of the Tebogo Mokoena Mystery series, written by Petro Schonfeld.