Schools Don�t Teach Local History � Ramsay
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Tuesday February 21, 2017 14:28
Speaking at the Bana ba Mmala Pitsong Workshop in Botho University on Friday, Ramsay said even though the country has a rich history, he does think enough is being done to share it with young Batswana.
“I do not think local schools’ history classes are teaching students and/or pupils about the country’s history. We have a very rich history that we have to share with our children. We cannot let that history die with us. In our schools, we were taught about colonialism, Bakololo and other country’s history than ours,” he said.
Ramsay made a presentation about the military attire.
His presentation touched on the transformation of the local soldiers, who initially were made of regimes from different tribes, led by dikgosi. Their uniform and weapons changed with time.
Uniform changed from animal skins to modern clothes and now camouflage. The weapons used changed from arrows and shields to guns.
Meanwhile, a representative from Brand Botswana, Bame Moremong called on Bana ba Mmala to collaborate with other cultural activists so that their platform could grow.
She said their platform could teach young Batswana their roots and how they are expected to behave.
“Social media has taken a toll in our everyday lives. We have seen our children misusing it. They have lost their roots as Batswana. If taught our culture, our children would be able to distinguish themselves from other people. They would know what is expected of them. They would be able to maintain the concept of Botho and take pride in themselves,” she said.
Son of the Soil cultural event started in January 2005 in Tlokweng. It is organised by a group of youthful individuals known as Bana ba Mmala to relive yesteryears.
The festival starts in the morning with attendees helping in preparation of Botswana dishes and meats.
The morning is also dedicated to personalised cultural experience, where each attendee gets a chance to play traditional games, learn Setswana songs and dances, learn Setswana cuisine, learn about Botswana tribes and partake in Setswana poetry.
After food is served, the afternoon is spent taking part in choral competitions, displaying the best modern interpretations of Setswana attire from among the attendees.
The afternoon also boasts of performances by traditional groups, enjoying traditional drinks like gemere and bojalwa jwa Setswana. In the early evening there are activities such as diane and dithamalakane.
This year the event will start on February 24 till 25 at Serokolwane Lawns.
On March 5 there will be SOTS Jazz Afterparty hosted by Kgalagadi Jazz Beats at Pavilion Restaurant.