The next few days pass uneventfully and then the Nkosi announces a celebration. It takes place one evening. The Nkosi Madoda, the generals and the people are there. Magigithela is being himself as usual, making a speech for the Nkosi. All are amused except for Manqoba. He is quiet in his thoughts.
“What is it, my servant?” asks the Nkosi. “Why do you not celebrate with us?”
“I am just tired, my Nkosi,” answers Manqoba, and asks to be excused. The Nkosi agrees.
As Manqoba is leaving the Nkosi shouts an order to him: “Servant, pass me the umqombothi!”
Manqoba stands still, with his back to the Nkosi. The Nkosi repeats the command. “Servant, pass me the umqombothi!” Manqoba remains quiet, standing still. The crowd is silent; even Magigithela stops his clowning. The Nkosi commands once again: “Servant, pass me my umqombothi.”
Manqoba slowly turns around to face the Nkosi and says, “No”.
Everyone is in shock. Magigithela removes himself from the centre and disappears into the crowd. The Nkosi rises and walks over to Manqoba. He stands face-to-face with him, his eyes fixed on him.
“What is this? Do you challenge me?”
Manqoba is silent.
“Ndaba kaPhinga, fetch me my weapons, and he his!” orders the Nkosi. Ndaba goes. Dreadful moments pass before the weapons arrive.
The Nkosi takes his and gives Manqoba his, but Manqoba drops them onto the ground. “This is not the way to fight the Nkosi.”
The Nkosi takes his gala and strikes Manqoba, who crouches down. Madoda strikes Manqoba again and again and again. The women and children look away, the men brave the sight.
After he has beaten Manqoba to the ground the Nkosi orders him to be taken out of his sight.
Mmeli accepts the responsibility. He grabs the arm of the bloodied Manqoba and helps him out of the village. “What is the matter? Why all this insubordination?” he asks the bleeding general.
“I have had enough of his tyranny. His dictatorship.”
“Please Manqoba, Don’t do this.”
“I am done talking. I am leaving. Come with me, let’s leave this place together.”
“You know I have a family. And this is my home.”
Manqoba just looks at Mmeli with disappointment, and leaves him, limping away into the night.
***
Tell us: What will Manqoba do now?