Nelson Mandela by Ellie Crowe

Author:Ellie Crowe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: StarWalk Kids Media
Published: 2016-07-27T00:00:00+00:00

6. AT THE GREAT PLACE

As a leader I have always followed the principles I first saw demonstrated by the Regent at the Great Place. I have always endeavored to listen to what each and every person in a discussion had to say before venturing my own opinion.

—Nelson Mandela

People are human beings produced by the society in which they live. You encourage people by seeing good in them.

—Nelson Mandela

The world of the Great Place revolved around King Jongintaba. Buthi noted that both the black people and the white traders and government officials treated the king with respect. He felt secure surrounded by the power and influence of the king. Perhaps this was a place he where he could stay forever and could succeed in life. He couldn’t believe he was actually here!

King Jongintaba treated him sternly but fairly. He told him that it was important to study hard, saying, “It is not for you to spend your life mining the white man’s gold, never knowing how to write your name.” Buthi’s days were busy as he went to school, attended church, played games, and tended the animals.

The Great Place was far more up-to date than Qunu. Buthi tried hard not to look or act like an ignorant country boy. At Qunu he’d wanted to be a good stick-fighter like Mbangeli, but now he longed to be like the tall confident Justice, who would be a Xhosa chief one day. Buthi wondered what he could be when he grew older. Perhaps, he thought, when I am a man I will be a counselor to Justice as my father was once to King Jongintaba. He decided to go to the next tribal meeting so he could watch and learn from the king’s tribal elders and counselors.

From very early on the morning of the tribal meeting, streams of people on horseback or by foot came over the hills from the surrounding countryside to tell King Jongintaba their problems. Buthi and Justice found a shady place under a tree and sat down together.

The first case was a lobolo (dowry) claim. A strongly built young man marched angrily up to the king. “I paid ten fat cattle for my new wife,” he said. “After four weeks she has run away and returned to her family. None of my other wives ever behaved in this manner. This marriage is over and I want my cattle back.”

The king nodded, listening carefully. The young wife, plump and pretty, sat with her head down, staring at the ground. Her father approached the king. “This man treated my daughter badly,” he said. “Her value as a wife is less now as she will be known as a run-away. People will think she is difficult, and no one will want to marry her. Why should I give him back the cattle?”

Buthi nudged Justice. “Who do you think is right?” he whispered. Justice shrugged and shook his head.

The king suggested that the father return half the cattle. The young man shouted his objections. How can he argue with the king, Buthi thought.

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