Bakwena unite to rebuild kgotla shelter
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Monday May 11, 2026 06:00
Operating under the banner, Mosalagae the 20-member team brings together expertise from culture, heritage, history, business, management, architecture and design. The initiative is led by chairperson, Stephen Mogotsi, who says the project is both a cultural duty and a unifying call for the Bakwena community.
Leobo, a sacred council house and focal point for traditional governance, was gutted during unrest in the village when an angry mob set it ablaze amid protests over a reported disappearance of several residents. Its destruction left a significant cultural void at the heart of kgotla ya Bakwena.
During a recent interview, Mogotsi explained that the reconstruction effort was commissioned by Kgosi Kgari and carries deep symbolic importance. “Leobo is a sacred council house, the central space where morafe wa Bakwena meet. Its restoration is not just about rebuilding a structure, but about restoring identity, unity and continuity,” he said.
He emphasised that the project could not succeed without collective support. Furthermore, he said Mosalagae is appealing to Bakwena and well-wishers to contribute in kind, including building materials such as cement, bricks, timber, roofing supplies and furniture, as well as skilled labour. Donations in the form of grain, mabele and mmidi, or livestock are also encouraged.
“We take Leobo as a very important symbol of cultural unity and pride. We are calling on everyone to volunteer their services and resources,” Mogotsi added.
While the group plans to incorporate modern elements into the new structure, it is committed to preserving the traditional architectural and cultural layout of the kgotla. A dedicated research team has been assembled to ensure historical accuracy and cultural integrity.
Mogotsi noted that Leobo forms part of a broader traditional complex, which includes key elements such as the leiso, central tree, lesakana, colonial house, silos and lelapa. “We do not want to lose the hierarchical pattern of the kgotla. Our aim is to restore it in a way that respects tradition while accommodating present-day needs,” he said.
On other matters, he said plans are also underway to include an exhibition area within the precinct, which will showcase the history and heritage of the Bakwena. However, the immediate focus remains on rebuilding Leobo as the central pillar of the kgotla.
Meanwhile, Mosalagae Public Relations coordinator Samuel Sebele said the group aims to raise up to P20 million for the project, which is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete.
“We want contributions of any size because they all strengthen our heritage revival. This project is not just about infrastructure; it is about building a meeting place, an exhibition space and a knowledge centre of Bakwena culture,” Sebele said.
He added that there is growing excitement within the community, with plans to engage residents through various fundraising activities. The group has also benchmarked similar projects in Kgatleng and Masunga to draw lessons on organisation and execution.
“We have seen how other communities have preserved and celebrated their heritage. We are determined to revitalise Sekwena and ensure that future generations have a place to connect with their roots,” Sebele said.
Mosalagae project was officially launched on April 28, marking the beginning of what members describe as a transformative journey. The team expects to unveil architectural designs to key stakeholders and the wider morafe within the next two months.
As the campaign gains momentum, Sebele highlighted that the reconstruction of Leobo is being positioned not merely as a rebuilding effort, but as a powerful symbol of resilience, unity and cultural pride for Bakwena.