28 Nov 2018

President Mokgweetsi Masisi and First Lady Neo Masisi as well as former First Lady Barbra Mogae, were among multitudes of people who thronged Maitisong for the end of year Mascom President’s Concert on November 27. 

This year’s two-act concert, titled Thari Ya Sechaba: A Legend’s Legacy, tells the story of The Mother of a Nation, a legend whose legacy remains in the hearts of those she has left behind, through dance, drama, narration, poetry and music.

 The two acts, which were performed by Maitisong ensemble, left many calling for more. 

In the first act, the ensemble showcased the healing and loving power of a woman in the society, while the second act depicted a gossiping and foul-mouthed youth, who went around the village rebuking the late Mma Thari, describing her death as punishment because she was no good in the community.

The gossip mongering, which finally entered the ears of village elder, nearly divided the village, but was subsequently defused by the wise village Kgosi. 

The kgosi reminded his tribe that not everyone is pure and therefore people should not dwell too much on the bad side of the departed. 

He called for law and order in his village because if such rumours could be left unchecked, they had the potential to destabilise peace and harmony, which the village was known for. 

He noted that the deceased had an unshakable positive and equal share in the development of their community and consequently Mma Thari’s soul should be left to rest in peace. In his welcome address, Maru-a-Pula (MaP) School principal, Andrew Taylor said ever since 1987, they have been hosting legends such as the late Mariam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, among others and have been participating in outreach community projects. The school also made monetary donations. 

Taylor said MaP’s 46-year tradition of community service is unparalleled for a secondary school. 

He said with more than 35 different projects from which to choose, MaP students partner with schools, hospitals and struggling communities through weekly visits each term. 

Still at the event, Mascom donated P100 000 to Botswana Retired Nurses Society, whose chairperson Ms Basetsana Ntsime, thanked Mascom for the ‘early Christmas present’, which she said came as a surprise. She said they would use the money to develop their plot in Kanye. Ends