The Insider - Walter Sisulu University

African
Tradition in
a modern SA
dialogue sets
tongues wagging
NKOSI Phathekile Holomisa’s (Aah Dilizintaba)
book, According to Tradition: A cultural
perspective on current affairs was launched
nationally in March at WSU Mthatha campus to a
diverse audience, igniting a robust debate on a
contentious element of society: tradition.
The book is a collection of articles that King
Holomisa has written for the South African Press
over the years in relation to the role of tradition
in present day society. The last leg of the launch
was a dialogue hosted by the Daily Dispatch, cohosted
by Walter Sisulu University, in conversation
with political analyst and Walter Sisulu University
Council Chairperson, Dr Somadoda Fikeni.
Dr Somadoda Fikeni seemed especially thrilled by
the prospect of analysing a book that speaks to
his sentiments. He heavily criticised the absence
of black people in knowledge production in South
Africa. He cited a research fact that 95% of the
knowledge production is by whites, according to
the Human Science Research Council (HRSC).
He argued that the epitome of black people’s
struggle against the apartheid regime was the
abundance of concrete debates and wealth of
ideas. He commended the King for his efforts to
end the drought that prevails in today’s society.
He made mention of the three power blocks that
are central to the book: politics, the economy and
the socio-cultural aspect. The current political
regime was criticized for its indecisive nature
on critical social issues, reducing themselves
to merely a government with power but lack of
implementation.
Socio-culturally, Dr Fikeni seemed to understand
the challenges that are facing the Eastern Cape.
“Colonialism spent most of its time here, meaning
there are deep-seated issues that need to be
reversed. This book tries to claim that space,” he
said.
Dr Fikeni stated clearly that, “Africans are in exile
within their own land. Culture and tradition is
practised part-time because we are trying so hard
to be white.”
He cited author and politician Dr Walter Rubusana
in his rendition “Zem’iinkomo magwalandini”,
(the cows are being taken away from you, you
cowards).
Page 14
Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa signs a copy of his book for a reader
King Holomisa, with his usual calm demeanor, was
nonetheless frank from the beginning, declaring diversity in
South Africa as a rhetoric rather than reality. In the book he
speaks of his battle with the democratic government on the
clarity of the role of traditional leaders in local government
structures, which is yet to be clearly defined.
Holomisa has been the president of the Congress of
Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) for the past
twenty years and is also the traditional leader of AmaHegebe
in Mqanduli in the Transkei, an advocate and an MP which
gives him credibility when it comes to taking a critical look at
socio-political redundancy.
He is baffled by the concept of South Africa being the leading
African country when the identity of its people is in question,
when the soul of the country is still elsewhere.
The two took the government down to its knees questioning
the value system that exists within the ruling party. In a brief
narration, Holomisa broke down the term ‘qabane’ (comrade)
which is supposed to mean solidarity, loyalty and trust.
“Instead, the so-called ‘maqabane’ do nothing but backstab
each other to advance their own agendas.”
The book is very clear in its stance about the nontransformed
SA economy, which sees power still in the hands
of white people. Adding to that problem, he says, is the mefirst-attitude
that is ravaging the government. “This self
enrichment is not healthy for our country, it is just wrong,”
said Holomisa, a sentiment that was shared by Dr Fikeni.
The dialogue was attended by Western Thembuland King
Lwandile Matanzima, AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya
Dalindyebo, MEC for Human Settlement, Ms Nombulelo
Mabandla, Mthatha High Court Judge Xola Petse, WSU Vice-
Chancellor Professor Malusi Balintulo and praise singer Zolani
Mkiva as well as the Mthatha public.
There are plans for WSU to translate the book into Xhosa and
other African languages and for copies to be made available
as setbooks in schools. Get a copy of the book at your local
bookshop for R140.
By Khuthala Nandipha