2009/12/28
ONLOOKERS were amazed to see a man “parking” his horse outside the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Sibonise Mjindi, 32, of Ncambendlana-Maiden Farm in Mthatha, arrived at the court yesterday, jumped off his horse, Siyatshangumlilo (We Are Burning in Fire), and “parked” him in one of the parking bays in front of the court.
“Fondini undilindele apha ndiyeza, ungahambi (Wait for me, I am coming),” said Mjindi to the four-year-old horse as left his trusty steed in a bay among parked vehicles.
It stood patiently for about two hours, attracting curious onlookers, some of whom took pictures of the animal.
The horse was not tethered in any way, and seemed unconcerned by the noisy audience, the music and the hooting of passing vehicles. It just stood still and waited.
Some motorists panicked, thinking the horse could be frightened and damage their vehicles, but they were amazed to see how disciplined it was.
Mjindi said on return that his horse was properly trained and very disciplined.
“I talk to him. If I say he must wait for me, he will never move until I come back and say, ‘Let’s go’,” said Mjindi.
Mjindi, a trainer of horses, dogs and cows, said it took him three months to properly train Siyatshangumlilo.
The horse enjoys eating bread and meat – especially fried chicken.
Mjindi, who owns six other horses, uses Siyatshangumlilo for transport, ploughing, racing and for shows.
“This is a unique horse; it is amazing. I have never seen anything like this,” said onlooker Mantombi Ngendile.
“The horse stood there patiently, not moving an inch.”
“ It only moved when his owner came and called it,” said another passerby, Sindiswa Mabhongo. - By LULAMILE FENI, Mthatha Bureau
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