11 Jul 2018

Kgosi Tladi Letsholo of Gaphatshwa said that as people celebrate letlhafulu, they should pause and introspect as Batswana are on the verge of losing their culture, customs, traditions, principles and values, owing to the modernisation of society.

 Officially opening the Metsville Letlhafula Festival over the weekend at Gaphatshwa kgotla, he said the nation, particularly the youth, ha lost their way and adapted different customs and traditions, especially the western culture.

 “Music, language, food, norms and values and dress are some aspects of our identity as Batswana and we ought to embrace, protect and celebrate them,” he said.

Kgosi Letsholo applauded the community for uniting and celebrating their different cultures and said one could never stop learning, urging them to use the opportunity to learn Setswana culture and teach or impart it to the young generation.

There was traditional music and dance galore such as borankana, phathisi, setapa, tsutsube and a large feasting on traditional cuisine.

 In an interview, the founder of Metsville Letlhafula Festival, Emily Chikaze could not hide her excitement and said the event was not only to celebrate but proceeds would go to Our Children; Our Future generation, which was founded to help children from poor background and those living with disability in Botswana. 

 She said the event, which will be held annually, was a success as it lived to its expectations. 

Chikaze said the event brought the community of Gaphatshwa and surrounding areas together and afforded them a chance to unite and get to know each other better, something which they have been longing for.  ENDS