A rooster crows at break of dawn
He’s quiet in the night
The world observes – a marvel born –
It crows – it sees the light

There’s little good news in the world
If only there were more
When good things sometimes are unfurled
Its source one must explore

From rooftops shout – loudly proclaim –
Worldwide let it resound
Share it with all – ignite the flame –
When such good news is found

A tale that simply must be told
About the Khanya light
In Africa it does unfold
Illuminating bright

While many in the darkness grope
Appears this brilliant sun
It radiates much needed hope
And shows what can be done

From small beginnings – taken shape –
It’s no mere replica
Conceived and born in Western Cape
Down South in Africa

It is unique in every way
With quite specific aims
And time has proved that it will stay
To live up to its claims

The name – Khanya – a Xhosa word
Is given by design
With pride it is being conferred
It means the light does shine

Not likely is it that you’ll find
A poem as long as this
Though its great length may blow your mind
Its content – don’t dismiss

It may appear at one’s first glance
This is mere doggerel
But don’t take a dogmatic stance
Judged by its apparel

The simple rhyme may seem unsound
Lines could be somewhat terse
In spite of the odd cliché found
A lesson in each verse

Do read it with an open mind
Absorb its full impact
Then try to see what lies behind
Each edifying fact

In sections this great tale is told
Like layers one can peel
To make sense of the complex whole
Its elements reveal

The first few parts state reasons why
This project came to be
They give the background – they do try –
Of Khanya’s grand decree

With patience try to understand
The education plight
The problems faced throughout the land
Those call for fight or flight

In further sections then appears
A glimpse of Khanya’s road
Relate how from humble frontiers
Its magic does explode

Its blunders – of a costly kind –
Are not at all concealed
And wrong routes taken – alleys blind –
The potholes all revealed

This reading – take it in your stride –
Dwell with it for a while
Sit back – relax – enjoy the ride
Absorb it with a smile