28 May 2024

Women have been encouraged to recognise and harness social capital. 

Speaking during a charming tea party hosted by Protea Hotel and Five Roses on Saturday, Wine Ambassador Boikanyo Kgosidintsi highlighted how social capital, which is the networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society could significantly enhance both personal and community well-being. 

“Building and nurturing social capital is crucial for fostering trust and cooperation within our communities,” said Kgosidintsi. 

He said when women engaged positively with one another, they created networks that were based on mutual trust and reciprocity, which in turn made collaboration towards common goals much more achievable. 

Kgosidientsi also pointed out the practical benefits of social capital, such as access to valuable resources and opportunities. “Through our social networks, we can gain access to information, job opportunities, financial support, and other forms of assistance that might otherwise be out of reach,” he explained. 

He said in the Setswana culture this was referred to as Botho, giving an example of greetings when seated to a stranger and being kind. 

Another speaker at the event, was a tea expert, Tsompie Mokaila who underscored the importance of tea etiquette. 

Mokaila, who runs an eatery called Tsompie Tea Room, emphasised proper etiquette of tea drinking. 

“Set your tray with all the necessary utensils before you begin.

 It should include your teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl, tea strainer, and, of course, your cup and saucer. This preparation shows consideration for your guests and ensures smooth service,” she said. 

She also outlined dos and don’ts of tea drinking such as the proper way to hold the tea cup. 

“Do sip quietly: Sip your tea quietly and refrain from slurping,” she said. Mokaila also spoke of the distinction between high tea and afternoon tea, a point she said was often misunderstood. 

“Afternoon tea is a light meal typically served between 3:30pm and 5pm, consisting of finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets. High tea, on the other hand, is a more substantial meal, often served later in the day, and can include meat dishes, pies, and heavier foods,” she explained. 

Discussing the topic colour outside the lines, Public Relations Consultant, Taazima Kala advised women to colour outside the lines so that they were able to follow their heart, even if it meant stepping outside the boundaries of their formal education or career path. Sharing her own journey, she highlighted that despite holding multiple degrees, she chose to venture into different fields that ignited her true passions. 

She also said she believed that life revolved around the idea that fulfillment and success were not confined to the limits of one’s formal training or colouring inside the lines (for example, being confined to just being a journalist not broadening one’s scope) as everyone is expected to do sometimes. 

She reminisced about childhood days spent with colouring books, where strict instructions were given to stay within the lines and use specific markers. 

This metaphor of coloring within the lines, she said, served as a springboard for her broader message. Kala said suggested that while structure and guidelines were important, there was immense value in stepping outside these constraints.

This act of “coloring outside the lines” symbolises innovation, freedom, and the courage to explore uncharted territories. It encourages embracing passions and pursuits that may not align perfectly with our day-to-day roles but are essential for personal growth and fulfillment,” she said. Ends