20 Jan 2020

Department of National Museum and Monuments (DNMM), chief curator, Philip Segadika says plans were underway to build Manyana Monument at Dimawe hills.

Segadika said this when addressing residents of Manyana in a kgotla meeting addressed by the area Member of Parliament.

It was in Manyana, at Dimawe, where the combined Batswana forces fought and repelled Boer incursions in 1852.

“The Battle of Dimawe was fought between several Batswana tribes and the Boers in August 1852.

Under the command of Kgosi Setshele I of the Bakwena, Batswana defended Dimawe Hill and the Bahurutshe tribe against Boer troops,” he said.

He said the site would be developed as recognition for  those people who contributed in liberation of Botswana, saying the project had been scheduled under the National Development Plan 11, and expected to begin in the 2021/22 plan period.

“The Manyana monument will be a marvelous landmark in the Dimawe hills. It will be a heritage with an appropriate architectural marker that will reflect the story of resilience and unity of our fore-bearers protecting this territory and defining the current boundary of Botswana,” he said.

Segadika said it was government intention to develop tourism, taking all aspects in consideration, noting that the department had about 20 heritage sites to develop across the country during NDP 11.

He said among others, the proposed developments would include construction of site museums, interpretation centres and other markers and facilities that would enhance visitors’ experiences.

“During the first two years of the development period, already pre-development studies have been conducted at the 1890s Bangwato capital of Old Palapye at the foot of the Tswapong hills near Malaka.

Mr Segadika noted that the same pre-development studies that include environmental impact studies, business and tourism plans, architectural designs had been completed at Ntsweng, the Bakwena capital since the 1860s.

He shared that for the sites of Matsieng Footprints Monument at Kgatleng and Baratani located at Otse, the pre-development studies were ongoing.

Segadika pleaded with the residents to cooperate with the Landboards so that developments might impact on some agricultural and grazing land.

He shared that some farmers might be requested to forfeit their land, for creation of access route to Dimawe area.

“At this stage the DNMM, in collaboration with the community trust and the Village Development Committee are determining the extent and boundaries of the proposed development. The pre-development studies will then start immediately,” he said.

In his response, Kgosi Kebinatshwene Mosielele embraced the concept, adding that the development was long overdue, as it was necessary to recognise contributions made by the forefathers in liberation of the people of Botswana.

He however indicated that there were challenges as some of the land at Dimawe had been allocated to some people, but appealed to those who were concerned to cooperate in order to pave way for the developments. ENDS