There was a loud roar as the dance groups from Kagong Village entered Phatsimo Hall. They were invited to attend a meeting about the annual dance competition on Friday, November 5th. The sun was scorching hot.

There were different dance groups; even the two favourite groups of Kagong – Amapiano and Stanamo – sat in the front seats. In front of them came a woman, wearing a long, red dress with black high heels and spectacles– the secretary of the Dance Academy. She took a microphone and said,
“Hello, groups of Kagong. I hope you are well. My name is Mrs Phakedi, to those who don’t know me. Most people call me Mme Phaks. As you know, this time of the year, we normally host our annual competition to award the best group of dancers in Kagong. Today I’m not alone; I’m with Mr Makekema, the manager of our academy.”

The groups applauded to show respect and gave a warm welcome to him as Mr. Makema stood up.

“Hello, groups; thank you for your welcome as the youth of Kagong. This year, our competition has rules and regulations,” said Mr Makekema, clearing his throat.

He continued, “As we all know this year we are celebrating thirty years of freedom in South Africa; we as an academy are going to celebrate freedom by remembering the history of dance. All groups that are entering the competition need to compete by performing a retro dance. That’s not all, this year’s first prize is…”

They all stared as the hall got filled with a deafening silence. Everyone wanted to hear what the first prize was. “What a lovely silence! The prize is one million rand.”

Whistles and ululations sounded as they cheered with jubilation. All the groups saw themselves and believed they would be the competition winners. Each group was expected to do research on the history of a specific retro dance style and find a choreographer who would prepare them for the type of dance that they chose. The competition was going to take only two levels, which were the semi-finals and the finals. After the meeting, the groups gathered to discuss how they would put more effort into the competition.

Amapiano was a group of five girls: Pinky, Lerato, Dima, Promise and Lumka. The group was used to winning the annual competition. The Stanamo group were always the runners-up. Other groups told themselves that they were going to work harder so that they defeat those two favourites.

Amapiano chose the Kofifi dance style for their show and went to Lekgalong la Pete to search for a man known as Kippie Mohushi, who was popular for performing the Kofifi dance. They would ask him to be their choreographer.

Kippie was well known because he had an entertainment house where Kofifi music was played, where people from neighbouring and far places gathered in numbers during the weekends.
Singers would also perform, with dancers dancing for fun. Mr Kippie’s group was started in that house and was called ‘Bahale ba Kofifi’ (Heroes of Kofifi) or ‘BBK’.

Pinky, the leader of Amapiano, withdrew the group money which was set aside for emergency situations. As soon as they left Phatsimo Hall, they took a taxi to Lekgalong la Pete.
The taxi driver showed them a white mansion that belonged to Mr Kippie Mohutshi, and they alighted. They hurried, practising what they were going to say when they arrived at The Warrior of Kofifi’s place.

“Wait a moment so that we can speak. When we arrive there, I’ll be the one to introduce who we are and where we come from,” said Pinky when they reached the gate.

“Why? We also want to speak to The Warrior of Kofifi. Let me be the one to request him to be our choreographer, mmmmm…. I wonder how old he is… do you think he can still dance?”

That was Lerato, with her skinny body and loud mouth.

“Come, let’s go. We are wasting time; I’m in a hurry. Everyone will get a chance to speak and take some photos. Let’s get in, please,” said Dimo, known for her humbleness and being peace-loving.

Outside, they were welcomed by a girl who looked to be twenty years old and was busy washing clothes.

“Hi, is this Mr Kippie’s home?” asked Pinky.
“Yes, it is. Who is looking for my grandfather, and what is it about?” the girl said, straightening up and wiping her hands on her dress.
“I’m sorry for not introducing ourselves; you are speaking to Pinky. I’m with Lerato, Dima, Promise and Lumka. We are known as the Amapiano from Kagong Village. We were— ”

Before she could even finish what she wanted to say, Lerato interrupted her.

“We want your grandfather to come and teach us how to dance, please. We need to win this year’s dance competition; please speak to him,” she said quickly while holding the girl’s arm.

“Let’s get inside,” the girl said, leading them to the house and giving them chairs in the visitors’ room. “You’re not the first to come here looking for my grandfather, Kippie. It’s been ten years since Grandfather Kippie Mothusi passed away after a short illness. I wonder why the journalists didn’t write anything about him to inform the nation since Grandfather was popular.” The girl explained with a bowed head. There was a deafening silence.

“Thank you for your time. Goodbye. Let’s go,” said Lumka because everyone was speechless and in tears.

They went away silently until they were at the main road, where they would wait for a taxi back to Kagong.

“I’ve got a plan,” Promise said. Everyone knew her as a quiet person full of plans.

“Speak! What are you waiting for?” Lerato said with a roar.

“We know that Dima is dating Thabo of the Stanamo group,” Promise continued. “Let’s use Dima as a spy so that she can ask Thabo about their dance. We all know that if we don’t win, the Stanamos are the ones who will win.”

“Here comes this one with her nonsense! Do you want to use my relationship with Thabo so that you can win? I’ll never do that,” Dima retorted.

“Dima, please think about the million rands. That’s the only way,” added Lumka.

“Friend, that will work. Do this for the group. Thabo will never find out; it will be Amapiano’s secret, we promise,” Pinky agreed.

“I’ll think about it, but I’m not promising anything,” Dima said while hailing a taxi. Everyone got in, heading for their homes.

Which plan did Promise come up with? Do you think it’s a good plan? Why do you think so?