One of the most amazing days of my life- King Mampuru and Nyabela's Day at the Chief's home in Mamone

The main reason why i got a flight from P.E back to Joburg was to be back home in time for a celebration that i had been invited to at the local Chief's home in Mamone (a neighbouring village to Jane Furse). Last year wen i went to visit Princess Mosopyadi
and her family she invited me to attend this special day that is held annually in January. My African mother, Mamma Mampuru, came over early and she helped me dress in my traditional Sepedi dress and then i visited some of my other Mamma's and they did my headdress for me. We arrived at the Chief's home and there were literally thousands of people there. The celebration is as a commemoration for King Mampuru and Nyabela. In 1883 King Mampuru was sentenced to death by the Colonial regime (Apartheid government). They captured him and took him to Pretoria where he was murdered. His family and tribe were not told where his body was buried and this day is held to encourage the current government to continue the search for his remains so that they may be returned home and given the proper burial service he deserves. It was so great to see Princess Mosopyadi again and her and her daughter Lillian were so excited to see us. Mamma and I were taken up into the Chief's home where I was introduced personally to the Chief and the other Prince's. Chief Sekwati then welcomed and introduced me personally as Mosopyadi to all the special guests which included Chief's and Kings from the Ndebele, Zulu and Xhosa tribes as well as High Priests and various politicians and Government officials. I really cant describe how honoured I was. I was treated as a special guest and I couldnt believe how lucky i was to be personally greeting some of the most important people in all of South Africa!! Yo! words cannot describe it......the way that i have been welcomed into African culture is just mindblowing. Princess Mosopyadi even told me that their Royal palace is also my home and that i am always welcome. I have never encountered such open and welcoming people in all my life. I was the only non-African out of thousands but I was treated as apart of their people. I now am apart of their people.

Me (Mosopyadi), Princess Mosopyadi and Mamma Mampuru

Mamma and I then helped the other Gogo's (grandmothers) and local women to cook the food and then I was taken by one of the Prince's down to attend the ceremony. There was dancing and performances from all the different cultures in South Africa and speaches from the Kings, Chief's and government officials. Eish it was the best day ever! I learnt so much about the different African cultures; all their beautiful traditional dress, dances, chants, languages and customs. After the speaches/performances etc were finished we went back up into the Royal residence where we shared a traditional meal, i was introduced to more special guests and watched more performances. I spoke and hung out with Prince Kennedy and Prince Phatudi, younger brothers of Chief Sekwati and then just as it was getting dark Mamma and i headed back to Jane Furse. I was kind of in a daze wen i got back to the school. The events of the day were so overwhelming, it took me a while to sink in about what a unique and extremely special experience i had just had! Once again I thank God for making all this possible!