Khama sets stylish tribal ‘Tshetlha’ fashion trend
Spira Tlhankane | Monday September 29, 2025 06:00
Ditching the formal wear for government functions, Khama has now adopted earthy tones, the khaki, light brown, and deep chocolate hues as his go-to fashion statement. But this is more than just a wardrobe update; it's a fashion movement. Speaking at the Kgosi Sediegeng Kgamane farewell ceremony recently, Khama called on his tribesmen to join him in wearing khaki or brown colours at Kgotla gatherings, community meetings, and other tribal activities, in a stylish show of unity and cultural pride.
“I am glad that men have accepted my plea to dress like me in the Kgotla and any other events that celebrate our culture. Khaki or brown colour clothing should be the men’s uniform. I would like to point out that our women have proudly worn the cultural attire by embracing their heritage with colour and grace,” said Khama in Serowe. Khama also emphasised that it’s time for Bangwato men to step up and that culture should be seen, worn, and respected.
The former President’s new look has already made waves on social media, where Batswana are applauding his sharp two-piece khaki and dark brown outfits that blend traditional inspiration with modern flair. His outfits are often paired with matching safari-style short-sleeved jackets, a style he championed during his presidency. The jacket even became more synonymous with agricultural events during Khama’s successor-come nemesis, former president Mokgweetsi Masisi’s tenure. Even though Khama doesn’t recommend people to a like-to-like copy of his new look, the khaki outfit has become a symbol of a renewed mannish stylishness grounded in African heritage.
While Khama has long been associated with khaki due to his military background and conservation work, his latest twist on the classic tone is a cultural commentary. The Bangwato Kgosikgolo’s message is clear: men’s cultural wear needs a revitalisation, and khaki may just be the canvas on which it can be painted.
With the way Khama emphasised the fashion point at the beginning of his speech, the chief of the prominent tribe in the central district wants men to carry themselves with pride when they attend cultural events.
He doesn’t want his tribesmen to just show up, but instead show out at the kgotla and other cultural activities. While addressing the Serowe crowd dressed in shades of brown, Khama took a moment to commend people who have followed his fashion instructions, like his deputy, Kgosi Seretse Peter Khama and Serowe North Member of Parliament (MP) Baratiwa Mathoothe.
It was also worth noting that Khama’s influence does not just stop in Bagammangwato. He also challenged other tribal leaders, such as the Chairperson of Ntlo ya Dikgosi, Kgosi Malope II of the Bangwaketse, to instil a similar sense of cultural dress in the southern tribes of Botswana. His message is resonating as fashion designers are already discussing how to adapt the ‘Tshetlha’ trend to their fashion brands.
On platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), images of Khama in his Tshetlha signature attire have been widely shared with comments ranging from humorous to complimentary. But beyond the compliments and the colour coordination, there is a deeper message, a call to reclaim cultural identity through clothing. At a time when international influences can sometimes drown out local traditions, Khama’s initiative is a reminder that culture evolves and fashion can lead the way.
With the growing interest, local designers are reportedly sketching ideas for new khaki-inspired traditional menswear collections, blending trousers with safari cuts, and reimagining accessories that honour both form and function.
Whether in the Kgotla or online, Khama’s ‘Tshetlha’ look is more than a passing fashion moment; it’s a movement. And as Bangwato’s men start turning their wardrobes earthy, one thing is clear: Khaki isn’t just for safari, and it’s now also cultural.
“Tlhoa se setona lea se bona se kgabile, lea se bona se kgabile se tswele mmala ole mongwefela. Mmala o ratile go tshwana le ene. Kaki tsa gagwe di ratile go tswana le ene motho o tswana le naledi ale nosi hela,” veteran Setswana language poet Moroka Moreri praised Khama as he recited his poem in front of the Bangwato.