Bonga is proof there is power in the English language

I have always said that there is power in the English language. We look at the story of Bonga Sithole, the street beggar whose life changed because he spoke so eloquently. The eloquence in his speech permeated through the drug habit that has disjointed his life.

For years, I have always said that for as long as I could afford it, I would put my children through a school where the medium of instruction is English.

I have always maintained that in a room full of people, it’s those who are fluent in English who will get recognition; regardless of their actual performance. Bonga had won the hearts of many, so much so that he became a sensation.

He was so “fresh” to the public that it did not come to mind that more than the microscopic look into his life, the man needed to be saved from his own demons and addiction.

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Fast-forward to the present day, the man is booked into rehab; he then checks himself out of the centre. In doing so, today, the same people who lauded his speech are referring to him as iphara, a hustler who conned us all.

Now, people realise that words were used out of context, that his stories of academia aren’t really as plausible as he makes them out to be – now we realise that bigger than his use of the English language, his drug use is far more domineering in who he is.

The point to all of this, is not so much on Bonga, but more on opportunities gained on the ability to converse in English.

We are daily judged that we are more fluent in English than our African languages, that our children can hardly speak Sesotho but are fluent in English.

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In hindsight, fresh from the lessons dispensed by Bonga, while we may push for the celebration of African languages, we must be reminded that, fair or not, English does in fact open doors. It gives one access to opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.

This business language gives one the opportunity to sell themselves and these opportunities may not present themselves if we are to only limit ourselves to our African languages; Bonga is the perfect teacher to prove this.