Whilst in Prince   Albert, I danced with the ancestors in a unique and, for me, most touching way.  John McKenna invited me to the “Khoisan Jol” held at the Thusong Centre.

I was greeted by the hosts – two gentlemen very elegantly dressed in black with  hats and ties who ceremoniously shook my hand. I had been officially welcomed by non–other than well-known artist, Hennie Boshoff and Goliath Lottering, the mayor of Prince Albert. Slightly intimidated, I joined a colourful crowd of people seated in a semi-circle around some beautifully painted bins and a small stage.

Part of the town’s commemorative bin project these were made to be placed in front of the new centre, officially opened on the 14th of September this year. The one-stop centre will bring various national government departments to Prince Albert and surrounding areas. Kept in reserve for this special unveiling ceremony, each colourful bin depicts various aspects of the history of North End and the forced removals that took place there. One particular drum has snippets of a poem by Adam Small on it. This poem was read out as part of the proceedings in a beautiful resonant voice by a young man with a bright, clear face.

Hennie thanked everyone who had helped to make the “jol” possible and  acknowledged John McKenna, Rosetta, Izak and Jan as the mainstays of the bin project.  The Mayor expressed a fervent wish that this celebration become a regular event, drawing more and more people.

Formalities out of the way, the party began in earnest with a rap group from Oudtshoorn aptly called Digtelike Vry8 wowing us with music and lyrics so infectious it had people up and dancing in no time.  Those who were not brave enough to jive in front, danced in their chairs.  I must admit I was one of them. I swayed in my chair, tapping my feet, playing the observer (as I do sometimes in life) when I really wanted to jol with all the other dancers. There were people of every age and from all walks of life. In my defence, I was soaking up the sounds in awe of the wonderful Karoo sights.

Alfred Voetpad enjoying the Khoisan Jol

The most evocative visage belonged to Alfred Voetpad, an old man who wore a check blanket, red framed sunglasses, brown corduroy trousers and a jaunty Volkswagen cap – his weather worn face a map of all the Karoo paths he has travelled in his life. His obvious delight at being there was beautiful to see.  Fascinated by him, I tried to get a photograph of him without being too intrusive and crawled around snapping the bins from all angles as local music group, SlamJam, played catchy renditions of old folk and other songs.

It was colourful. It was vibey.  My heart danced in me, celebrating our Karoo ancestors.