Cattle, culture and forgiveness: Khama’s move stirs hope, debate in Serowe
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday August 27, 2025 16:45
To some Serowe residents, Khama’s gesture is not just symbolic; it is steeped in tradition and signals a possible thaw in long-standing tensions.
“In Sengwato culture,” explains elderly Kesegofetse Lopang, “when someone fines you and then invites you to a family event, it means they are welcoming you back. It’s like lobola; you cannot accept it if you are not ready to accept the union. For me, this is a sign that the apology has been accepted. The rest? Just watch the space.”
For Masego Morepodi, the gesture is a clear sign of change both from Khama and the political winds blowing through the central region.
“Khama is softening; that is why he made them pay. He is creating space for BDP to return, especially during important events like Christmas and Independence,” she said. “Besides, Balopi is from Goo-Tshosa ward in Serowe. There is no way he would not be forgiven. The tribe will meet ward by ward, and forgiveness will follow.”
However, she also noted that the absence of the main Serowe dikgotla from the recent meeting speaks volumes.
“They will have strong opinions when they finally speak. But most people here are tired of the conflict; they want Khama to focus on his role as Kgosi and to unite with his family. Politics has divided us enough,” she said.
Some within the community worry that Khama’s association with politics continues to drag the tribe into national controversies. “There are people who believe Bogosi should be above political fights,” Morepodi said.
Yet not everyone sees the 17-cow ‘fine’ as a binding decision. Amigo Nthebolang, an organiser of the event, insists it was not meant to be taken literally. “Khama said it jokingly. In our culture, people often say such things when someone apologises; it’s symbolic. But he was clear that any decision would be made after wider consultation with the tribe.” He also admitted that Khama refused to listen to Balwela Kgosi the day before the meeting when they wanted to convince him not to come for the meeting. Even BDP Secretary General Kentse Rammidi downplayed the gesture. “This is just the beginning of engagement. It’s like preparing for a wedding; you don’t get answers on day one. You wait for the elders to speak.”