TA book to extol all that is Khama
Lerato Maleke | Friday December 19, 2014 10:19
The book, written in vernacular, is a marvellous reveal of the subject particularly for those who wish to know more about President Ian Khama and his unique leadership style.
The 40-page book is a compilation of poems praising Khama for his attributes and works he has done for the country since he took power in 2008.
Dintlenyane Tsa Puso Ya Ga Morwa Khama is divided into 10 sections. The author says that she managed to put together the book with the assistance of the Office Of President.
In her poetic works, Ntswejakgosi comes off as praising Khama too much. From her poetry it is apparent she is truly enamoured of Khama.
In the first section, Matsalo A Ga Khama, the author not only praises Khama she also pours honour on his parents, especially Ruth Khama.
The poetic piece is full of metaphors, similes and is intriguing.
One can take less than an hour to read, enjoy and understand the poetic piece, which describes who Khama is? Where he was born? How he became President?
The author mentions a city called Chertesy, a town in the Runnymede borough of Surrey, England on the River Thames and a tributary, the River Bourne, within the Greater London urban area, which Lady Khama originates from. She poetically links Khama with the Williams family, who are of course Lady Khama’s maiden kin. She says this is exactly where the star in Khama arose.
This section also talks about the Bamangwato tribe having been blessed with not only a chief but also a President of a nation. As President, Ntswejakgosi is of the opinion that Khama has maintained the peace and stability that Botswana enjoys. Not only does she recognise the human freedoms, but also the initiatives put forth for animals to move freely in their designated zones where they live in their natural habitat. She mentions a well-known fact that Khama is a conservationist.
In the book she describes Khama as a man who does not discriminate against anyone.
Section two talks about Khama’s dignity, his works and the love that he has for all Batswana. There she talks about Khama’s commitment to Batswana, the honours he has received and compares him to King David in the bible.
She relates the bible story of Sakaeo who climbed a tree to see King David. In this section of the book Khama is compared to King David and the rest of the nation is likened to Sakaeo.
She says this shows the love and respect that Batswana have for Khama, more especially the elderly.
Then follows Tsosoloso Ya Ngwao where the author praises Khama’s contributions towards the revival of all cultures.
The author links these with the Presidential awards where Batswana display their talents in a competition. She mentions dikhwaere, digaba, ditinkane, dikarata, and the newly introduced Polka music from Kgalagadi.
She also talks of star athletes Amantle Montsho and Nigel Amos, who have shone brighter across borders as Khama has taken vested interest in the development of sport. She states that it is that affinity that has led to the successes enjoyed by sports men and women.
Without having to mention all the sections here the author has kept the same theme going throughout the book. She never fails to extol Khama in all ways possible where she risks being labelled a sycophant. “Kana ke a itse bangwe ba tlaa mpitsa mainaina, bogolo jang ba nnete eleng sereto sa bone, kana ke raya ba ba binang boammaruri, ba tlaa mpitsa lelope le gore ke ithatisa bagolo,” she states in the final section.
The author says she did all through assistance by her two children, daughter, Onicah and son, Emmanuel. Others who contributed in polishing up copy include Kgosi Mokhutshwane Sekgoma, Kgosi Morwakwena Mmopi, Claire Seretse, Margaret Casalis, and Louis Stofel. The most unforgettable person in the piece according to the author is a Serowe woman, Kenewang Phetogowa, who also works at the University of Botswana.
Branfire Publishing published Dintlenyane Tsa Puso Ya Ga Morwa Khama. The book was printed and bounded by Printing and Publishing Company Botswana, while Tisetso Molefe designed the cover.
Name: Dintlenyane tsa puso ya ga morwa Khama
Date published: 2014
ISBN: 978-99968-431-2
Author: Agnes Ntswejakgosi