By Gani Odunola
Writers worldwide often base their plots and stories in real-life locations; but sometimes they decide to create their own villages, towns, cities or even countries. For example in his world famous novel, The Mayor of Casterbridge, Thomas Hardy created the fictional town of Casterbridge which was actually based on the town of Dorchester in Dorset.
In the same way Omoseye Bolaji has created the fictional “small town” of Khayachow in his latest work, Tebogo and the Bacchae (2012). Here is where the detective, Tebogo Mokoena has to unravel certain mysteries. From the text, we learn of course that Khayachow town is based in the Free State, South Africa.
In many ways the guest house where Tebogo stays (The Exquisite Guest House) is an important place in Kahayachow town. It is situated in the toropo (town) itself, as distinct from the nearby townships. We soon learn that the taxi shuttle system between the town and the townships stops rather early as is often the case in such small towns.
We read in one of the opening chapters (“Philip”) about Tebogo’s first visit to the townships: ‘Within a few minutes he (Tebogo) had arrived in the township. Nothing much, he could see. A small place teeming with lots of frenetic life, though. Townships were like that! He phoned Phillip and was lucky to get him on the line…” They meet near ‘Albert Stores” in the township and Tebogo is “discreetly” taken around.
By the time we get to the Chapter: “Biggie”, Tebogo is already feeling somewhat at home. “By now, Tebogo quite knew the town fairly well. The police station was nearby, as was the library. Pity he had not visited the library thus far. I must look into this...
He passed the place where all sorts of food were sold. He entered and bought some food, after taking his place on a small queue. Now to find a place to eat, he thought. He made his way past one of the departmental shops – Khayachow seemed to have branches of all the national major shops and banks, which were represented here. He nodded his approval as a young man carefully threw his waste/rubbish into one of the dustbins strategically placed all around…”
As regards the “Indian woman” and her restaurant, we are not exactly told whether the eatery is situated in the town, or in the townships. We probably suspect it is in town; however readers should remember that Tebogo more or less strolls from the restaurant to the drinking place where he talks with Thobeka and Rebaone. We are told it is a “crime” not to visit Lekker Foods, ad Tebogo obliges by going there:
“Tebogo saw the signboard: “Lekker Foods” quite easily – and even if he had not, the elaborate braai being prepared just outside the shop would have provided a clue anyway. A middle aged man was busy whipping the meat into shape, with a congenial aroma wafting around.
"Tebogo entered the shop through the narrow doorway; at least that was the impression he had; perhaps it was not that narrow! In front of him he saw chairs and sliding tables. There was a distinct feeling of economy here… “
In Chapters like “Thobeka”, “Rebaone” etc Tebogo gets to grips with Khayachow town, relaxing and enjoying in a pub which is congenial in many ways. Even tsotsis rarely come here!
We also learn about “The Park”, still in Khayachow, where many people go to relax, especially during weekends:
“But by around 3 – 4 that day others had rallied and were out in full gale again, relaxing at pubs and shebeens. Some went to the other side of the town, secluded hillocks and glades where picnics often took place. At this site, sort of park, today was Biggie...”
It is fitting that this work ends with Tebogo meeting the “picturesque” Thobeka in front of her house or thereabouts:
“It seemed as if there was a concatenation of fireflies in front of this particular house. Tebogo knew that this was his last night in Khayachow town, and as things had worked out he had been decidedly successful…”
Hence, the last “loose end” is tied up and Tebogo can breathe a sigh of relief, and leave Khayachow town in peace; certainly not in pieces!
