I bumped nose first into a whiff of some religion during a recent tour of the Lion of Judah, a Rastafarian Village in the Khayalethu South Township just on the outskirts of Knysna...

Smoke and fire

We are greeted by our guide, Leo, whose every second word is, true to his culture, ‘mon’!

We walk slowly down the main road of the village; home to thirty devout families. So devout in fact, that they share an agreement with the local authorities which allows them to smoke ‘ganga’ anywhere within the parameters of the village, this with no age restriction applicable.

Meandering past underwear draped over a picket fence, and a small child peering through just beneath; we are then shown the communities place of worship, the tabernacle. Click here to check out my Irie tales.

And close by, there is the crèche.

One love

Established in 1993, the House of Judah was built on the principles of: 1 Love, 1 Tribe, 1 Aim, 1 Destiny, 1 House. Almost entirely self-sufficient, its’ inhabitants are proud, and even sport a local band. So half an hour into the tour, and we’re then taken up to a rickety wooden shack; where a four-piece ensemble give us their best; island-style.

A few individuals meander in, clearly a little bored of the afternoon outside, and in need of some musical diversion.

While I watch one Rasta practically dance herself into a trance, another decides that flag-waving would now be in order. The entertainment was working, the music chilled.

Exiting our concert, our host then informs us as to where community grow their ‘erbs’, as well as other edible produce; and it’s at this point that three little Rastas come running up the road towards us.

Curiosity satisfied

As the others disappear, I decide to see what a Rasta child is like. Confident, loud, these kids clearly seem very photogenic; and so I click away; assuring them all the while however that ‘no, I wasn’t in possession of 50cents’.

Five minutes later somewhere even further down the road, and I bump nose-first into a ‘whiff of some religion’. In a nosy attempt to find the source, I then come across an open door, where a small family sits in the kitchen.

Introducing myself, I ask the mother a few questions about living in the village. The vibe I get: she loves it, and will most likely never move. Her sons both have thick dreads, as does their friend. They eyeball me, possibly unused to foreign visitation.

Talking the talk

Continuing with the tour, our Brother Leo uses most righteous language, likely Rasta colloquialism, tweaked with anecdotes of late Ethiopian leader Haile Selassie; and tweaked (yet more) with OCD-like repetition; which I can only blame on the gunga. Either way, he is endearing, and most informed.

Closing, the Brother gives us a small glimpse into the community’s future hopes and dreams; one of which is in fact is to establish a homeopathic clinic, wellness centre, as well as a vegetarian restaurant. Apart from this, we are then informed about the upcoming Rastafarian Earth Festival, one not to be missed!

In all, I was enriched by the experience; enthralled at the diversity and little ‘peace-nucleus’ existing just outside of Knysna. Loving townships, I loved this even more…

To look forward to/ Tourist Information:

• The Lion of Judah hosts organised tours, where you can be informed about the community’s religion, way of life, history and culture.

• Delving deeper: you can even spend the night with a Rastafarian family, enjoy their company and food; and return at a later stage (should you so wish).

• On a lighter note: take an hour or two off to enjoy a walk in the forest- along the Kayalethu River basin (adjacent to the community).

• Finally, the Rastafarian Earth Festival, hosted by the community from the 21 - 31 July 2008. From live bands to guided ceremonies, the Lion of Judah will be alive with colour.

• Further info: Contact Brother Paul @ 073 117 6103 or Brother Maxi @ 084 205 8305

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