Jacob Dlamini’s Nostalgic Experience in Katlehong

October 28th, 2009 by Emily

In his latest column, Native Nostalgia author Jacob Dlamini shares his, well, nostalgic experience at a wedding anniversary celebration in his home town(ship) of Kathlehong:

A Katlehong couple is celebrating 35 years of marriage this year. This calls for a celebration, their two daughters say.
They organise a party. It is on a Saturday afternoon. A white tarpaulin tent covers the Kikuyu lawn in front of their four-roomed house. The summer rains are here. It is pouring outside.
Inside the tent, tables are arranged in a T. A group of men sit at the head of the T. A white banner marked “Happy 35th anniversary”, plus a maroon-and- white Swazi cloth, a spear and a shield — testament to the couple’s Swazi heritage — hang on the covering behind the men.
Clusters of girls sit at the armpits of the T, while women sit along its length. Most are neighbours, friends of the couple. Many are older than 50. Baby boomers.