KGOTLA:

A Kgotla is a meeting of the Elders to discuss village affairs, usually under the biggest tree in the centre of the village:

 

The tree stands waiting, since beginning of time,

Awaiting village Kgotla & the Elder´s given sign,

Branches akimbo & its gentle spreading shade,

Offering solace in the heat & to problems so laid.

 

The Elders gathering, greeting & uniting together,

Garbed in skins, suits, pelts & hats of fine feather,

Solemn, serious, stand united & studying all faces,

Shuffling & shifting in dust, they all find their places.

 

Sitting on old chairs, stools & upon gnarled old logs,

Feet stirring red dust, between goats & prone dogs,

Drum sounded, throats scraped & all silence reigns,

Each takes his turn, to voice village events & it´s pains.

 

Talking of tribal lands & hunting, the laws of the land,

Eternal drought, rainfall & all due marriages at hand,

All is discussed with such wisdom, respect & aplomb,

No need for battles & wars that resemble The Somme.

 

All problems now voiced & the solutions soon found,

By old men ruled by Gods, led, directed & so sound,

Gratitude given in prayer, brows nodded, hands shook,

And bowing their grey heads, with knowing wise looks.

 

The Kgotla, over & toasted, in wild nectar of old Gods,

Then, each man on his way, with wise grizzled nods,

“Farewell, till next time & may the Gods go with you”,

And with feet shuffling red dust, each man left his pew.

 

“Welcome to this sacred place under the ancient tree, where meetings among friends take place, secrets are kept all our memories come to finally rest.