19 Aug 2018

Culture remains a key aspect of the society, which, among others, promotes societal cohesion despite the diversity among the tribes in Botswana. 

Welcoming the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) - Africa Region conference delegates at a cultural event at Tashy’s Royal Garden in Boatle recently, Ntlo ya Dikgosi chairperson Kgosi Puso Gaborone said highlighted the importance of bogosi, saying it was for such reason that traditional leadership continued to exist even post-colonialism.

The cultural event saw a display of several cultural items among which were traditional and contemporary music, traditional cuisine and dikgafela.

Apart from delegates, the event was also graced by Speaker of National Assembly, Ms Gladys Kokorwe, members of Ntlo ya Dikgosi from different regions, some members of parliament and Balete tribesmen who gave a beautiful rendition of ditlhaka, a form of music often played in key cultural occasions such as when initiates arrive back into the village from initiation school. 

Describing bogosi as a foundation of the nation’s democracy, Kgosi Puso said the institution continued to be relevant to date and continued to play a pivotal role in among others, maintenance of law and order in communities. 

He said being custodians of culture, dikgosi were also key agents of development particularly, because they were closer to communities and were thus better placed to understand their people’s development needs. 

One of the Lesotho representatives, Lesotho senate president, Mamonaheng Mokitimi commended local dikgosi for having kept Botswana’s culture intact.

Mokitimi noted that while the culture of African countries was in many respects diverse, the continent remained unique as its diversity was unifying and not divisive. 

However, she said it was heartening that Africans continued to use their diversity to promote cohesion. 

The 49^th CPA- Africa Region conference started on August 13 under the theme ‘The role of African parliaments in fostering national and regional security’ and will end on August 22. 

 The CPA Africa Region comprises of 18 member states namely Botswana, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. ENDS