Preserve culture � Kgosi Lotlaamoreng II

Zolani Kraai | Friday March 21, 2014 12:55

 

Lotlaamoreng said this at a cultural day held at Khuis village, last Saturday. He cautioned that culture is disappearing due to various social developments sweeping through rural Botswana.  Batswana need to introspect and share with the world instead of enclosing their ethnic cultural heritage, he said.

“I therefore urge Dikgosi to play a pivotal role in taking responsibility of ensuring that culture is preserved. 

But that can only be achieved through a collective and concerted effort,” Lotlaamoreng said.

Lotlaamoreng urged Kgalagadi south residents to respect one another regardless of their different ethnicity.

“I call upon you to work harmoniously with Dikgosi to uplift the spirit of acknowledging each other’s ethnic cultures.  You should strive to benchmark on each other’s cultures in order to avoid being isolated from your respective traditions,” he said.

Kgosi Botsheleng of Khuis highlighted the importance of preserving culture.  He emphasised more on preservation and documentation of Batlharo history.

He implored his tribe to make sure they preserve the Batlharo historical sites such as the Molopo hills along the Molopo River (Makhubu a mantsho), Batlharo battalion site (Lerako la troupa) and Kgaje’s Cave.

 The event, which was hosted by the Department of Tribal Administration in partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture, was held under the theme ‘Our Culture, Our Pride’.

Amongst some of the dignitaries were the Jwaneng and Lobatse Customary Court deputy presidents Nkaelang Lekgoa and Kgotlaetsile Motsamai.  Kgosi Modise Pilane from Kgatleng also graced the occasion.

Dikgosi of Kgalagadi came from as far as Hukuntsi and Matsheng villages and settlements to celebrate.  Kokotsha, Hereford, Bokspits Vaalhoek, Rappelspan Bogogobo and Omaweneno were also represented by their respective Dikgosi amongst them Kgosi David Toto Seetelo II.