“The Sun is shining and the weather is sweet,
make you want to move your dancing feet”
- Bob Marley “Sun is Shining”
I had an amazing time in Malawi. My experience provided memories that will last a lifetime.
We first arrived in Malawi tired and restless after a five-hour plane delay. However, this had to be put aside as Kate and Clemens were being received by a “Send off party”. A family friend of the Kathewera’s (Kate’s family) hosted a party in their backyard. The ceremony was accompanied by music, home cooked food, drinks. The engagement served as a traditional manner, for Kate and Clemens received advice on marriage from key members of the family and close friends. Sipping on a glass bottle, (not a can) of coke, I received my own advice on politics from the former Minister of Defence. At the event, I also experienced my first “Peri Cana, Peri Cana”. This is a traditional ritual in Malawi, where money is being thrown at the celebrated individuals while dancing in front of them. It is much more enjoyable and energetic than the regular “envelope in the bag” received at weddings. After the party, we headed back to the Kathewera’s home in Zomba for a much needed rest. I took great pride in climbing under the mosquito netted bed. Along with the net, the cool breeze, the hot weather and the friendliness of the people, Malawi reminded me a lot of Guyana.
"Market Place"
The week before the wedding we spent traveling to Blantyre to follow up with last minute preparations. The Kathewera’s treated me as their own son. Sitting at the dinner table exchanging jokes with Kate’s parents, sisters, aunt, brother-in-law and Clemens, I really started to feel the presence of “home”. It is a feeling far removed since my arrival in the continent.
"Andrew and his son, Chicko"
Some interesting observations made of Malawi, was seeing the large amount of Indian and Pakistani diaspora, along with a huge Muslim population. Another interesting fact was seeing people walking freely in the streets well after dark. In South Africa, most of the streets are desolate after 6pm. Personal safety is not as an immediate issue as it is in South Africa.
The wedding was even more spectacular. The Catholic Church was done up magically with a Black Jesus residing over the altar. The church was filled not only with family and friends, but villagers as well. Following tradition, Clemens and I entered the church dancing to the sounds of the choir. There, Clemens received his wife from her Father and the ceremony ensued.
"The Bridal Party"
"Mr and Mrs. Kapler/Kate during Peri Cana, Peri Cana"
The reception took place at the beachside of Lake Malawi and was led by a poetic Master of Ceremonies. His oral skills would make Shakespeare nothing more than a peasant. Following my role as best man, I was required to give the “toastmaster’s speech”. Although it was 30 degrees Celsius I sipped a last drop of hot tea and delivered the speech. Included was an invitation to Malawi that the country had such a profound effect on me that it only makes sense to marry a Malawian woman. The results was much laughter, applause and the unexpected – invitations to meet daughter’s of the mother’s who attended the wedding. Nevertheless, Lake Malawi was a beautiful site to host the reception. I even stayed up to watch the sunrise.
"Lake Malawi"
The next day we were invited to Kate’s Grandfather’s cottage in Mangochi. He had planned a presentation of traditional dancers to honour the new couple as well as Clemens’s visiting family.
"Traditional Dancer"
On leaving Malawi, we were running late to catch our plane back to South Africa. However, the person in charge of the Malawian Military commission in Johannesburg was on the same plane. He is also a family friend and made the plane wait till our arrival. It’s nice to have connections.
The pictures and the videos provide a mere preamble to the memories of Malawi. We left far too soon. I will always remember my time there, especially the people I met.
These things happen once in a lifetime.