mmegi

Mokwakwa: The boy's rough game

Parrying blows:The late South African president Nelson Mandela, a Xhosa who grew up in the Eastern Cape, was taught intonga (stick-fight) by herd boys, which is akin to local mokwakwa
Parrying blows:The late South African president Nelson Mandela, a Xhosa who grew up in the Eastern Cape, was taught intonga (stick-fight) by herd boys, which is akin to local mokwakwa

The antique art of mokwakwa practised many years ago amongst the rural boys in our village, was a test of strength and territorial defence not only for the two clashing groups of boys but the wider groups of boys across the Palapye wards. Writes Mmegi Staffer RYDER GABATHUSE

Sometimes mokwakwa provided entertainment to the villagers although it often rubbed some the wrong way, especially those chased out of the territory. It was through this somewhat outlandish game that boys were able to defend their territory by ensuring that after the meeting, no strangers hanged around longer in their area than it was necessary.

It was a quick way of removing all possible threats including boys from other areas taking the territory’s girls. Usually during street soccer games there were gifted boys who would shine and received more cheers from the territory’s girls and thereby raising fears of the area boys losing their partners.

Editor's Comment
Child protection needs more than prevailing laws

The rise in defilement and missing persons cases, particularly over the recent festive period, points not merely to a failure of policing, but to a profound and widespread societal crisis. Whilst the Police chief’s plea is rightly directed at parents, the root of this emergency runs deeper, demanding a collective response from every corner of our community. Marathe’s observations paint a picture of neglect with children left alone for...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up