MY NAME IS GALEFELE …
NORTH WEST (MAHIKENG) Discover Afro science fiction at Lotlamoreng
Around three decades ago, I went on a weekend quest into the thorny backcountry of Bophuthatswana, then a so-called independent homeland or Bantustan. This was when I first heard of Lotlamoreng Cultural Village after locals at the Kidarele Bar & Lounge regaled us with a story of a famous Zulu sangoma constructing a tourist village nearby.
On that trip, we eventually found Lotlamoreng and got to meet the famed prophet, Credo Mutwa. It was a bizarre day of bone throwing and strange portents, and since, Iʼve stayed in touch with Lotlamoreng. Social Media connected me with Galefele Matlhwăi Molema, and – 30 years on – we met this local guide and historian once again in Lotlamoreng during the Beyond Lockdown trip. These days, the fantastical giant cement statues and enchanted structures of the cultural village are overgrown and unkempt but, in a way, this merely adds to the magic.
ʻWe sometimes bring the Boy Scouts here but other than that, few people visitʼ, Galefele explains. ʻThatʼs why a few friends and I began the Mahikeng Cultural Society so we could preserve history. I mean, this is Afro sci-fi at its roots and Credo captured the concept of chituari, or extra-terrestrial visitors to Earth, perfectly.ʼ
DO IT
Galefele is the perfect guide and interpreter to make the story of Lotlamoreng come alive; the village is in disrepair, minimally maintained through his passion and a handful of colleagues. 081 775 9382 mahikengsociety@gmail.com
STAY HERE
Mahikeng Scout Centre of Excellence for Nature Environment: Camping R30 pp; bungalows R80 pp; Malerato Bungalow R120 pp; hostel R40 pp. 018 381 7439
Lana’s Boutique Hotel, from R950pp. 081 011 1819
Sedikwa Guesthouse: R820 a room. 064 553 8498