Bakwena Celebrate Kgari's Wedding

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Monday July 13, 2009 00:00

Kgari's wife hails from GaThwane village in the Borolong area. The wedding ceremony started on Saturday at the 102-year-old Molepolole UCCSA church building. The chief is said to be a member and an active chorister at the church. A prayer service was held at the church where the newly weds were given advice by different leaders.

One church leader told the gathering that though people say women like being married it is a hard decision on their part, because they lose their identity and have to acquire a new one. 'In the case of Kgari's wife, she is not only losing her surname, but she has to become a Mokwena, a mother to the tribe. She is no longer a private person but rather a public person. Your tribe will look towards you for leadership and guidance and these are big responsibilities,' he said.

At the end of the church ceremony, the chief and his bride left in style on a cart drawn by horses. He was accompanied by tribesmen on horseback to MmaKgari's home, where the festivities took place. President Ian Khama, flanked by the Bakwena royals Keineetse and Kgosikwena Sebele attended the festivities. It was indeed a colourful event as choirs sang their lungs out, later giving way to traditional dancers like Captain Dira to entertain the crowds. Bakwena royal, Kabo Sebele, told Monitor on Saturday that the reception was planned for the main Kgotla where traditional groups, poets, bands and other entertainers would form part of the celebrations.