BALETE MEN SMOKE OUT WORSHIPPERS FROM CAVES

Staff Writer | Monday February 3, 2014 16:32

The Balete tribesmen made up of men from Ramotswa, Mogobane and Otse, on Sunday caught various church denominations baptizing, worshipping, burning essences in the caves, and sent them all packing.While the northern part of the country is flooded, it is the complete opposite  in the south where village elders are now blaming the lack of rains on witch doctors and church rituals that are performed around holy sites.

At 4.30am on Sunday about 50 tribesmen and  tribe leaders led by Kgosi Tsimane Mokgosi, took to the Baratani hill in an effort  to cleanse the area and rid it of the 'bad luck' or dihawa brought about by religious rituals and medicine men.The early morning journey to the hallowed hill where witch-doctors also commonly perform their rituals, follows a Thursday Kgotla meeting resolution by the tribe which is concerned about the lack of rains.

The tribesmen believe that the lack of rain in the region can be attributed to the rituals and littering done on the hill, which anger badimo, the ancestral spirits. On arrival at Segorong Gorge Site entrance, four members of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) (three men and a woman) were found, in full church uniform. They confirmed to Kgosi Mokgosi that they had come to pray at the gorge. They came from Sikwane and Tlokweng.  They were asked if they knew that even the ZCC advised against such gatherings near caves/hills and rivers, which they acknowledged. The church members led the tribesmen deep into the gorge where they had performed their rituals. Tin cans used to boil their ritual tea were left at the fireplace. The tribesmen together with the church members picked up litter around the site, which was later burnt. Deep into the gorge, another group comprising of around 20 believers from Tabernacle Church were baptizing members in one of the pools. The group was made up of men and women and a 16 year-old girl. According to the church pastor, Molatedi Seiswane who hails from Mahalapye, they arrived at the gorge at 2am. The church has headquarters in Bobonong and a branch in Tsolamosese, Mogoditshane.  Pastor Seiswane said they came to the gorge to avoid congestion at sites closer to Gaborone. It was the first time they had come to the gorge. They had lit candles, which were still burning.At the gorge entrance, three other ZCC men had come to collect water at the stream. They believe that the water has healing properties. 

Kgosi Mokgosi requested all present, church members and tribesmen, to respect the heritage site and voiced his concern of littering in the place and lack of respect for the heritage site. Mokgosi said littering was one of the problems that hampered any future plans of ecotourism in the area, which is a pity since the gorge is a picturesque site, with its pools, small waterfall and beautiful fauna and flora.

One can even find the moritelatshwene herb here, which Reverend Edmund Dladla of Botswana Dingaka Association in Otse, said was helpful in alleviating backache and respiratory problems. The herb is also a tea that assists in blood circulation.Kgosi Mokgosi called for the respect of ancestral heritage sites. He was adamant that no one should be allowed to visit the site without asking for permission from the Tribal Authority.

He was concerned that most of the people who came to worship at the gorge were from different places other than the Balete region (save for one Ramohubi Motlhagodi from Ramotswa branch of Tabernacle church), which to him showed lack of respect for the Balete culture/ancestors. Interestingly at the entrance of the gorge activities publicised include: bird watching in rainy season and spiritual activities (praying & baptizing)