XENOPHOBIA - the bugbear!

By O Bolaji Xenophobia. That is a word often uttered with bated breath by so many in South Africa. How do I feel about this, especially as a Nigerian, since apparently there is a strong bias against Nigerians by many? On a simplistic level, a genuine writer at heart cannot be xenophobic. Writers are generally broad minded, “citizens of the world” and click amidst each other immediately; eg SA writer Flaxman Qoopane’s closeness to me for decades. For years I have been what you might call a honorary member of many S.A writers’ families and houses, like the Mafikes, Motheanes, St George Vis, Lechesa, Rampai, Thaisi, Kunene, Nthejanes; and many others including white S.A writers. Actually, when people like me first came to live in S.A there was no xenophobia. I was given good, cheap accommodation in the townships from the outset, bed, furniture, regular gifts of food, provisions, and sometimes beer! (Laugh). Everybody wanted to be one’s friend and they were only too ready to help with small problems. I believe it is a fringe minority that revels in xenophobia, and not necessarily illiterates. I remember during the heart of the xenophobic attacks a few years ago, a simple man, seller of onions, oranges, etc threw his arms around me, crying. “I am ashamed of all this attacks my brother,” he said. “How can my people do this? We are not really like this.” Another guy that I used to meet occasionally at an eatery, wept buckets when he saw me. He cried so much that I was very worried and embarrassed. Then after a long time he told me this issue of xenophobia was breaking his heart... The thing is, if there is the perception that certain foreigners are involved in crime and nefarious activities, or specifically Nigerians, then the thing to do is round up such miscreants and lock them up; don’t tar everybody with the same odious brush. There are many criminals in South Africa, but that does not mean ALL the people are crooks! These unfortunate things are always perpetrated by a minority everywhere. It might well be that over the years, I have had another advantage that people have seen; that essentially I am a simple, fairly honest man, dedicated to arts. I have appeared in newspapers, magazines, countless times. Even those closest to me over the years, including more comfortable writers who visit me wherever I have stayed, become shocked when they see I hardly give a jot about material things, unless they are complements to writing and reading! Hence I have been flooded with gifts of computers, lap tops, phones, satellite TV etc over the years by South African artists of whatever colour I have stayed in the SA townships for many years, surrounded by love and respect, and that is the truth. People always come and tell me the latest stuff they have read about me from the media or internet. I remember a couple of years ago, a white journalist who was visiting me in the township was shocked to hear many young little boys and girls shouting – “Omoseye! Omoseye! This is Omoseye!” So at heart, from young ages people are often ‘good’ and friendly, though prejudices like xenophobia might afflict a few of them later on...

FILM DOCUMENTARY TO BE MADE ON BOLAJI

A special documentary is to be made covering the literary feats and galvanic achievements of outstanding writer Omoseye Bolaji. The renowned Big Fish School of filmmaking, via the award winning Little Pond production, in Gauteng is orchestrating the documentary, in their special documentaries on provincial artists and authors. Winnie Mokhomo of the film-making firm says: “I saw all Mr Bolaji’s books and read every book review about them on the internet. And there are two aspects that caught my eye and I was interested to include them in the documentary, which is “People of the townships” and the Tebogo Mystery” series. The documentary will include the literary journey of Bolaji, reaching a crescendo when he was honoured by both the UFS and when he garnered a major Chieftaincy title; and also about the books of the celebrated author. Winnie added: “The documentary will also be about how Bolaji has inspired many people and his role in the community. It’s obvious that he has had a great impact in the community because of his achievements... it would be a great honour to do this documentary about him”. The script for the documentary is already being fine-tuned in Johannesburg, after initial trips to Bloemfontein by the documentary team to talk to Bolaji and other key literary figures in the province. The pivotal role played by the FS Provincial Library system will be highlighted in the documentary. Also expected to feature in the documentary are key FS writers like Lebohang Thaisi, Flaxman Qoopane, Pule Lechesa, and Hector Kunene Pule Lechesa, who has been liaising with the documentary team said: “It’s exhilarating times again...it is no longer news that FS Black literature is world famous with literary protagonists always checking on what is happening here. Omoseye Bolaji has played an extraordinary role in this miracle over the years and it is gratifying that this special international documentary will mainly focus on him,” Bolaji’s celebrated books over the years include Impossible love (2000), The ghostly adversary (2001), Thoughts on FS Writing (2002), People of the townships (2003), Molebogeng A Mokhuoa (2004), The subtle transgressor (2006), Tebogo and the haka (2008), Tebogo and the epithalamion (2009), Tebogo and the pantophagist (2010) and Tebogo and the bacchae (2012)

FREE STATE OF MIND

This book of riveting poetry is available@ Beija Beija store-Waterfront-Bloemfontein-1st floor next to Woolworths priced@R200

THE GOOD BLACK MEN OF TODAY

By TUMI MOKHOANTLE As a young black woman I live within a disenfranchised and stereotyping society which has painted the average black as "ARROGANT." And I hereby confess that I believed this concept, especially as a feminist I would go as far as referring men as foolish. According to statistics the average black man is either in jail, sires and then abandons his family, gets drunk on the street corner, rapes old ladies and violates. "Black men are absolutely foolish!" As this rolled off my tongue, something forcefully reminded: My mentor is a black man My brother is a black man My uncle is a black man My president is a black man My God is *The* Man In other words am I saying that they, too are foolish and arrogant? Actually these men, have built civilizations and made remarkable discoveries which continue to influence the world as we know it today. They are well educated, socially astute, dedicated to their communities and lead by telling the truth and taking responsibilities for their actions. I was humiliated by the statement I made. I have watched black men all my life and as a black woman I thought I had the right to say so. While I have watched them I've also admired them, cared about them and most respected them, therefore why would I admire a foolish person? And why do I sound like the racially charged media? Why do women spend so much time trying to impress and allure people refer as arrogant? Let me tell you what I know about men. In the beginning men were created in love. Anyone who takes time to make a close examination will discover that men are hard-working, good to their wives and they are family-conscious. They are individuals who are striving to reach a goal and realize a dream. We forget about the police officer, accountant, plumber, businessman and postman. The impact of always thinking wrongly of you has depleted your desire and ability to live consciously according to your true nature. Man! We (women) stand in reverence of you. You are not dogs, dangerous, or disgraceful. We need you to continue protecting us as well as taking charge...

GEORGE RAMPAI STUNS LITERARY WORLD

By TEBOHO MASAKALA The literary world is abuzz again with excitement following the publication of a new novel titled From where I stand by George Rampai a Ladybrand born novelist. Rampai is the first black novelist to emerge from Ladybrand in the Eastern Free State, noted for some critical essays over the years, Rampai has now released his first novel from Where I stand. “I am very proud of Ladybrand my home town, I was born there and lived all my life there, I know it inside out, I am so happy my novel is based on vibrant Ladybrand” Rampai Told Mangaung Issue, Rampai said that he has loved African literature from a young age and learnt the value of libraries and read many books penned down by African writers like Kalu Okpi, Chinua Achebe and late South African writer Eskia Mphahlele. George considers Omoseye Bolaji’s People of the townships novel as one of his favourites as Bolaji writes with zest, authenticity and humour. Reading books written by Free State Authors such as Flaxman Qopane, Pule Lechesa and Omoseye made Rampai resolve to publish his debut novel. With his powerful novel from where I stand, Rampai himself is now the toast of the literary world. Pule Lechesa, a respected celebrated literary critic described the new novel as "ravishing and majestic". * First published in Mangaung Issue, May 9 2012 edition