Maseko (ePub)

As death feeds our tears, so eternity feeds our souls. Everyone dies eventually just as the politicians enjoy us and feed on our suffering. As humans put themselves at the centre of the universe, so have our natural resources been put at the disposal of self-proclaimed possessors. A person can be holy and good yet change into an evil genius overnight.

Maseko narrates the experiences of Elvis from childhood to adulthood in a culture where he struggles to be civilised without losing the sacred mysteries of his forefathers.

However, is that possible? Can he grapple to become civilised without losing those sacred traditions and value standards?

Meeting and learning from his unorthodox teacher and mentor Baba Maseko, Elvis recognises an anthill is destined to become a giant hill irrespective of how many times the elephants destroy it; that the cricket is never blinded by the sand of its burrowing.

During Elvis' first year at a seminary college, Baba Maseko encourages him to reflect on his past as part of a philosophical anthropology assessment.

While drafting his assignment, Elvis battles with the fear of revealing his cultural initiation secrets as that constitutes a taboo and hence antithetic to his cultural values. Yet, this is his stumbling block to his learning ambitions - in the same way most African politicians are gluttonous stumbling blocks to the youth and the continent's development.

Elvis reflects on how his grandmother converted to Christianity in her 50s to work at a church-owned bakery. Yet, she never abandoned her ancestral traditions and her bedtime tales kept him enwrapped in the life-giving principles founded on the ancestors' traditions.

As Elvis traverses life's challenges and tribulations, can he find the balance he desperately seeks?

As death feeds our tears, so eternity feeds our souls. Everyone dies eventually just as the politicians enjoy us and feed on our suffering. As humans put themselves at the centre of the universe, so have our natural resources been put at the disposal of self-proclaimed possessors. A person can be holy and good yet change into an evil genius overnight.

Maseko narrates the experiences of Elvis from childhood to adulthood in a culture where he struggles to be civilised without losing the sacred mysteries of his forefathers.

However, is that possible? Can he grapple to become civilised without losing those sacred traditions and value standards?

Meeting and learning from his unorthodox teacher and mentor Baba Maseko, Elvis recognises an anthill is destined to become a giant hill irrespective of how many times the elephants destroy it; that the cricket is never blinded by the sand of its burrowing.

During Elvis' first year at a seminary college, Baba Maseko encourages him to reflect on his past as part of a philosophical anthropology assessment.

While drafting his assignment, Elvis battles with the fear of revealing his cultural initiation secrets as that constitutes a taboo and hence antithetic to his cultural values. Yet, this is his stumbling block to his learning ambitions - in the same way most African politicians are gluttonous stumbling blocks to the youth and the continent's development.

Elvis reflects on how his grandmother converted to Christianity in her 50s to work at a church-owned bakery. Yet, she never abandoned her ancestral traditions and her bedtime tales kept him enwrapped in the life-giving principles founded on the ancestors' traditions.

As Elvis traverses life's challenges and tribulations, can he find the balance he desperately seeks?