Starvation and dangerous poverty of thought continue to ravage the continent. Will it ever seriously kick in to play the notion that it’s Africa’s time?
Poverty is expensive, yet we invest in it daily. While poverty of thought is subtle, its exponent is dramatic. Two Sesotho idioms refer to the role of counsel and constitutional being. They are defined in terms of nakedness and refraining from displaying one’s private parts at all times. One is Banna ba tents’ana ts’ea — men advise others on how the loincloth should sit without leaving parts dangling.
The other relates to the king, whose special dress is a moluopo. In this regard the saying is Morena ha ntents’oe moluopo, which translates to the king cannot be dressed, lest his counsellors see his private parts. It captures what is expected of the monarch...You’ve always trusted us to help you navigate the world. Support the Sunday Times by becoming a premium member for only R80 and keep the conversation going. You can cancel anytime.