By the time this article hits the street, millions of viewers across the world enjoyed their Game of Thrones fix.
This is after the worldwide premiere of this fantasy drama’s eighth and last season aired on April 14.
The final six episodes were postponed from airing in 2018, leaving many die-hard Game of Thrones fans in a state of complete panic and even depression.
Many, of course, have no idea what Game of Thrones is all about, and some have even abandoned the quest during the first season.
Game of Thrones is an American fantasy drama television series, which is an adaptation of George RR Martin’s series of fantasy novels. Set in the fictional country of Westeros, Game of Thrones has several plots and a large ensemble cast.
One of the storylines deals with the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms and follows a web of alliances and conflicts among the noble dynasties either vying to claim the throne or for independence from it.
Another story arc follows the Night’s Watch, a longstanding brotherhood charged with defending the realm against the ancient threats of the fierce peoples and legendary creatures that lie far north of The Wall, and an impending winter that threatens the realm.
In relation to the latter arc, right from the start, the audience is constantly reminded that winter is coming. Only later does one learn the reason why this is so foreboding – it means the terrible creatures of doom and gloom are on their way to ravage the land.
So why on earth are we talking about this fantasy series?
Here in South Africa, which for many also feels like a land of mystical fantasy judging by all the surreal absurdity, we are also pawns in a similar game played by politicians as they do whatever it takes to claim the throne.
Secondly, because winter is coming. This does not mean we will be overrun by strange creatures made of ice and terror, even though some might disagree considering our country’s state of insanity, but it does mean potential load-shedding.
Yes, winter is coming folks, so be afraid, be very afraid because it means cold weather and it means Eskom is scrambling more than ever to keep the lights on. And when the lights do go out, this is when our land’s own stalkers of the night start climbing over walls and begin their reign of terror.
And just like the Night’s Watch stand on the walls to guard against invasion, thankfully in South Africa, we still have organisations like Outa and AfriForum that will not back down quietly as the land is ravished by corruption and treachery.
Be warned, winter is almost upon us and our own Game of Thrones is in full swing.
Those who have watched this fantasy series know it is a nasty and ugly business to claim the Iron Throne. It is one of cutthroat tactics, devious alliances and mischievous treaties. It is a game of greed, power, destruction and mayhem.
No one is safe and no one can really be trusted.
South Africa’s politics is no different as the elections loom and there is a mad scramble for that Iron Throne called the presidency. For some, the end justifies the means, even if the means might challenge any common sense, the constitution and even venture into the ridiculous as we blame Jan van Riebeeck for all our woes.
Behind closed doors and in shadows, far from the eyes of the watchmen, hands are shaken to seal dirty secrets and whispers of promised alliances echo. All in the hope of the throne, yet no one is safe and nothing is sacred.
Yes, the race to the Iron Throne is riddled with schemes, plots and dark agendas that will even make Machiavelli cringe in his grave. Such is the nature of politics and it shall remain a nasty business. Yet, unlike the real Game of Thrones, the season will not come to an end and you cannot merely switch off the TV.
And whatever you do, remember, winter is coming.
FOLLOW US:
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Benoni City Times, Springs Advertiser, Brakpan Herald, African Reporter and Kathorus Mail
