Senke Remembers the Drums at Night

Senke remembers the drums at night is Engela van Rooyen's own translation. It was first published in Afrikaans in Cape Town by Tafelberg Publishers as Vuvuzela (2005) and was awarded the Sanlam Silver Award (2005) and the 2nd MER Prize.

Senke, whose real names are Kgomotso Daniel, is cared for by his elder brother Buti. Their mother has died, and they live in a shack in an informal settlement without services or power. But Senke is not downhearted. His passion is soccer, and Buti is a very skillful player, whose idol is Lucas (Rhoo) Radebe. This is the story of Senke’s secret plan to obtain a ticket for Buti to attend the soccer World Cup in 2010. Their lives and surroundings, with all the colourful characters of the community, the school, and the shebeen, are lovingly drawn.

Senke is at last able to buy a bicycle for Buti. But then disaster strikes, and Senke has to overcome it on his own, for the first time without Buti’s tender care and advice. This book depicts their poverty and endeavour in township circumstances, the dreams of honest, hard working people amid devastation and sickness.