Kgosi Nkosiyabo inaugurated
Zolani Kraai | Friday August 18, 2017 15:36
In order for him to succeed in uplifting their lives and furthering the village developments he would need their support, Kgosi Kebinatshwene Mosielele of Bahurutshe Boo-Manyane said.
Kgosi Kebinatshwene was speaking at the initiation ceremony of Kgosi Nkosiyabo Mngqibisa I, who took over the role of Headman of Arbitration with immediate effect, following the death of his father.
Kgosi Kebinatshwene urged the residents to support their Kgosi in maintaining tolerance and discipline within the village. He also advised them to lobby for prioritisation of major developments such as the construction of a primary school, electrification of the village and facilitation of access roads to the village, saying the heavy floods often affect them during rainy seasons.
“Now that government has formally recognised your settlement to the level of a village, you are still going to be facing a daunting task of actively participating in the Bahurutshe Development Trust. This will enable you to share your input in as far as developments earmarked for the village are concerned,” Kgosi Kebinatshwene urged.
“Currently the village has no electricity nor a Kgotla office and we are working tirelessly with our civil leaders and relevant government ministries to secure funds to avail them,” he said.
On a word of advice, Kgosi Kebinatshwene told Kgosi Nkosiyabo to uplift the spirit of Botho within his community.
“Avoid negative and emotional confrontations when addressing issues of socio-economic development as those could hamper progress in anticipated projects. Continue where your forefathers have left off in nurturing your cultural heritage,” Kebinatshwene said.
The occasion was also graced by the Crown Prince of the Amahlubi tribe in Khayakhulu, Nkosi Luthozini Zibi from the North West Province in South Africa.
Nkosi Lutho, second in line to the throne of the Amahlubi a-se Khayakhulu, is one of the sons of Paramount Nkosi Madoda Shadrack Zibi, who said he appreciated government’s support to the Xhosa clans in Botswana. He said through the cultural diversity programmes facilitated by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, the Amahlubi clan has been able to maintain their culture, heritage and Xhosa identity.
The gathering urged ‘Ah! Zanodumo’, challenging Nkosiyabo to continue fostering and practicing their culture and to always advance his tribal leadership skills through the guidance of his principals at Manyana Royal Kgotla. Nkosi Lutho further urged his nephew, Kgosi Nkosiyabo to continue where his uncle, the late Bikwe Kgosi Thanda Mngqibisa who died in 2015, left off. He encouraged him to nurture the Bahurutshe Boo-Manyane and Amahlubi clan relationship.
“To do so will help to promote the two tribes’ cultures, by so doing enhancing cultural tourism,” he said.
Councillor for Manyana/Mogonye, Peter Sethibe also encouraged Bikwe residents to actively contribute to the development of Manyana and Bikwe villages, as they are one community.
The seemingly shy but enthusiastic Kgosi Nkosiyabo pledged to work harmoniously with the community and promised to involve them in his aspirations to develop the village.
In attendance was Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who donated a pregnant cow to Kgosi Nkosiyabo, while he also appreciated the presence of Nkosi Lutho by also presenting him with a cow. Kgosi Robert Mangope of Manyana, Kgosi Oscar Mosielele of Bakgatla Ba ga Mmanaana and Kgosi Malope II were some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion. The Amahlubi clan arrived in Bikwe in 1904 from the Eastern Cape, and upon their arrival they were treated to a warm reception by the Manyana royal house.