23 Jan 2023

It is  imperative to preserve culture because unites people.

Officiating at the event, Kgosi Olebile Gaborone, who was also the guest speaker, said ‘Dikgomo tse di senang morole ga di ate,’ he said, emphasising that a nation without a culture was lost. 

 He therefore commended Balete for still holding on the tradition of initiation or traditional schools. He said for any tribe to realise the value of culture, they should be intentional about preserving their cultural identities and values. He also applauded the tribal leadership for ensuring that cultural beliefs and ideals did not diminish by way of celebrating their culture.

He also thanked other dikgosi who came to support Kgosi Mosadi saying they truly showed that they were one big family.

Dr Otsile Molefe, who is famous for his traditional teachings and also a guest on the occasion, said it was disheartening to realise that the Setswana culture was slowly fading and replaced by foreign cultures. He therefore pleaded with Batswana to make sure they reclaimed their culture into their hands and go back to their roots.

“Go botlhoko go bona ngwao e latlhega re nna bakopi le kgosi e be e nna mokopi,” he said, urging Balete to normalise to take care of their tribal leader just like it was done in the past. s

 To demonstrate that, he gave Kgosi Mosadi three goats as an appreciation gift and urged the BaGamalete to do the same.

The cultural event, which was graced by magosi from different tribal territories, was organised by GaMalete Development Trust in partnership with the Department of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture.

Earlier on Kgosi Mosadi briefed residents on concerns over gender based violence  cases and how best it could be tackled, as  well as resuscitation of traditional schools to mould the younger generation into better tribesmen and women.

The cultural festival started off with the arrival of the tribal regiments (mophato) comprising GaMalete men who had come to brief Kgosi Mosadi Seboko of their concerns about their tribe and offered what they thought could be solutions or way forward in dealing with them.

The day was filled with many festivities. There was a cultural demonstration of dikgafela. The gathering was entertained by various local artistes through traditional dance and music and cuisine.

Veteran musician, Taolo Moshaga furthermore handed a memento to Kgosi Kelemogile Mokgosi II in honour of his immense contribution to the country. Ends