Renowned San author of the G|uikhoe tribe, Kuela Kiema has published his second book, The Lion Dance, a novel that delves into the cultural and historical narratives of the San people of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR). The book explores ancient myths and intertribal relationships through a fictional lens, bringing long-standing oral traditions to life.
Speaking in a recent interview, Kiema emphasised the deep-seated nature of storytelling among Batswana, stating, “Batswana have stories that are so deeply embedded in them that they can influence their beliefs and way of life. For instance, in CKGR, there is a story that still brings different tribes together as they try to make sense of who first discovered the first pool of rainwater that we all ultimately settled around. Each tribe has its own version of the story. My work is not about who was first or who holds the rights to something; rather, I attempt to find the crossroads where these stories unite us and define our collective identity.”
Kiema’s novel provides a perspective from the San people, highlighting their relationship with other tribes and offering a historical and cultural tapestry that fosters dialogue about identity and heritage. He recalls one of his earliest memories of storytelling—sitting around a campfire with his aunt narrating tales filled with the beauty of their language, the unique clicks, and animated voices. This experience sparked his love for storytelling and set him on his path as a writer.
“In my childhood, storytelling was an essential tool for educating children about their surroundings, from fauna to animal behavior,” Kiema shared. However, as he grew older, he questioned, Who is going to tell the story of the people of the CKGR? Witnessing anthropologists and activists narrate his people’s history without their firsthand voices, Kiema felt compelled to take up the responsibility himself, finding the courage to put their stories on paper.
His first short story, How the Fire Was Made, initiated an internal dialogue that later fueled his recurring themes, hunting, spirituality, beliefs, and social interactions. These themes are evident in The Lion Dance, which brings to life the traditional tale of witches riding on hyenas’ backs to accomplish their mysterious missions under the cover of night. The novel, set 900 years ago in the Kalahari Desert, explores the origins of intertribal wars, the forging of coexistence, and the peace that eventually arose between the Tswana and the Dxana of the Desert.
Through the lens of dreams and memories, The Lion Dance questions how myths shape historical understanding. It transports readers to Moshawa, the Forest of Little Feet, where abundance once reigned, and the Great Message was first delivered by the Kaukau of Xawa.
Kiema’s first book, Tears for My Land: A Social History of the Kua of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Tc’amnqoo (2010), took a different approach, documenting the struggles of the San people. It detailed their forced relocation from CKGR in 1997, driven by government policies favoring wildlife conservation and tourism. The book critically examined the cultural loss, identity struggles, and marginalization faced by the San, making it a significant contribution to indigenous rights discourse in Southern Africa.
Now, with The Lion Dance, Kiema transitions into fiction while continuing to amplify the voice of his people. “I believe anyone has the ability to do anything if they are really passionate about it,” he said, reinforcing the power of storytelling as a means of cultural preservation.
