10 Jun 2021

Unlike many authors, who consistently write books in English, a young Motswana author, Tumelo Abotseng has used literature in the native language with a view to promote and preserve Setswana language.

His book titled: Tlhapi Solofela Leraga, metsi a tshele o a lebile, was launched in Francistown on June 4 and is now available in stores like Exclusive Books at Airport Junction in Gaborone and at Book World in Francistown.

Speaking during the launch, Abotseng said he had decided to write the book in Setswana because of his love for his native language.   

“I decided to use literature as a medium to preserve our Setswana,” said the author, who is a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Public Administration student at Baisago University’s Francistown Campus.

He explained that it was important to improve and preserve the literature of the Setswana language and that by writing the book in Setswana, he was challenging other Batswana writers to write in their native language because, ‘when language is lost the past is also lost’.

By the same measure a language is preserved, the traditions and culture continue living in the hearts of those who understand it,” said the Lesenepole-born lad.

He explained that when language dies, the knowledge and ability to understand the culture of those who spoke it is threatened because the techniques, customs, oral traditions and other inherited knowledge are no longer transmitted amongst native speakers.

Abotseng said the journey to write the book began when he started making post on WhatsApp using the Setswana language and a lot of Batswana liked the way he used language, especially proverbs.

“It was then that they encouraged me to expand on that and write something like a book. I then saw the need to write this piece which is the first of its kind in my 28 years of life,” he added.

Quizzed on the title of the book, Abotseng explained that the Setswana adage simply relate to an experience in life that ‘after facing a worse situation, one has to bounce back’.

He said this was not an easy journey as he was still a student and had to divide his time well to cater for his studies as it was his final year.

He explained that the burning desire to share his creativity through this literature encouraged him to continue writing hence he focused on completing the book during the school holidays.  

Launching the book, Jeremiah Dikgang of Francistown School of Chess explained that creativity had become the buzz word and a new norm as it builds character.

He emphasised that success was a process and cannot be achieved overnight, adding that it was also a journey to be embraced to a point where one can be proud of the final masterpiece.

Mr Dikgang, also stated that creatives needed to develop strong character and be resilient to any challenges they come across.

“Shy away from the mentality of an okay job, when doing something and aim high to be the best version of yourself,” emphasized Mr Dikgang, who is also a Mathematics teacher.

Still at the launch, Ms Lesedi Mankwe, a Media Studies graduate from the University of Botswana said creativity had to be nurtured, and for one to add more spices to what one had in mind. She shared that being a creative allows for a better world as new ways of passing the message on burning issues are developed, adding that she said it bridged the gap and allows for effective communication and delivering of messages.

She encouraged that creatives need to develop good relationships with each other to learn more from their crafts and this will build more confidence in them of solving any challenges they face on their journeys.  Ends