My First Toyi-Toyi

I stopped by the shopping mall to fetch the mail (yes, the post office is in the shopping mall), and in the parking lot was a crowd of Woolworth's employees on strike. But it was more than a strike; it was a genuine South African toyi-toyi.

I've been hearing about toyi-toyis for over a year now. They are not just protests, marches or strikes. They involve dancing, singing, foot stomping, chanting... It turns protesting into an art form. The singing was marvelous - at least three-part harmony - and as good as any choir concert. The dancing was passionate and made every bit of the statement they intended to make. I don't know if it will help their cause or not, but it was amazing to watch.