23 Apr 2015

There is no doubt that social values face a challenge in many societies. Many African societies find it difficult to retrace their steps back to their roots. Some have tried but with catastrophic results. 

Thus, societies are fracturing as a result of, among others, clashes between the young and older generations.

Can we as Batswana be able to define or retrace our culture without missing a step? The Social Barometer this week ponders on the question of culture versus globalisation. In defining culture the Oxford Learners’ dictionary defines it thus; 

Culture is (a) “the totality of socially transmitted behaviour patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions and all other products of human work and thought characteristic of a community or population. (b) The set of shared beliefs, attitudes, values and behavioural patterns characteristic of a group or organisation.”

In the past four weeks the Social Barometer featured three dikgosi pondering on the question of culture especially on how Batswana’s diverse cultures respond to these challenges and how such affect societal values.

The four dikgosi, Mosadi Seboko of Balete, Michael Gaborone of Batlokwa, Lotlaamoreng of Barolong and Oscar Mosielele , readily admit globalisation has put immense pressure on Batswana’s social values. 

The consensus among the four traditional leaders is that in all this mayhem, bogosi still remains a tool that can help redirect Batswana towards their roots. They agree that dikgosi are torch bearers on matters of culture that are integral to reshaping Batswana’s social values.

 “There is no doubt that we are the custodians of culture, peace and harmony in our communities. Tell me where crime levels would be if there were no dikgosi?” asks kgosi Gaborone.

On the other hand, the youthful kgosi Mosielele advocates a going back to the drawing boards to pick those cultural elements that can take Batswana forward.

Shifting to behaviour, Kgosi Lotlaamoreng underscores the value of “botho” that it is key to helping Batswana remain a society with strong social values in the face of new technology and influence from social media.

“We live in a global village, we (dikgosi) have to come up with new ways that will make us more relevant today,” says Kgosi Mosadi with reference to the changing society that has to deal with challenges such as HIV/AIDS, youth unemployment and women empowerment.

Kgosi Mosadi and Gaborone agree that bogosi has to involve with the times and this is what makes culture dynamic and responsive to issues of globalisation and modernisation.

“We don’t want to take people back to the past. We want to move forward as times change. There is no problem with us being nostalgic but it should not blind us to see that bogosi has to adjust to remain relevant to be able to help our people,” reckons Kgosi Gaborone. 

“Take education for instance, we can get involved with students by addressing them, this also makes bogosi accessible to them,” reckons Kgosi Mosadi in relation to what Batswana can do to reshape their social values for a better tomorrow. ENDS