A joyless affair in Lekgolobotlo

ISAIAH MOREWAGAE
Staff Writer | Monday October 4, 2010 00:00

The need to again waste public resources in celebrating Independence Day was too much for them, hence they decided to stay indoors rather than go to the Kgotla to make merry for a day when their lives are empty.

On Independence Day 2010, most communities in Kanye North stayed away from the Kgotla. “It doesn’t mean it is unimportant to remember this ‘great day’,” an elderly woman told The Monitor in Lekgolobotlo.

“But the point is that the government should not have reason to celebrate, especially in view of our extreme poverty and hunger.”

The woman, who introduced herself only as Mma Letsatsi, said it was ironical that Batswana can celebrate when their country, which is held up as beacon of democracy in Africa, is in the clutches of poverty from “north to the south, east to the west”.

Going around Lekgolobotlo, there was an atmosphere of near solemnity that was broken only by the occasional ululating at family events of weddings and private parties.

The next stop was Ntlhantlhe Village where we found only the Headman, the police officer and no more than 10 people watching a performance by Masupatsela, the village’s drama group.

The play was an attempt at addressing social ills that affects the youth. The small audience was mainly made up of primary school pupils who must have been attracted by the beating of drums that accompanied the performance.

Here too it was clear that the majority of the villagers had opted to stay away from the kgotla. As in Lekgolobotlo, many sat under trees in their courtyards, some of them going about their daily chores.

Only prayer meetings conducted by different denominations saved the situation in Ranaka. The village’s Headman of Records, Karabo Telekelo, who was turning 44 on the day, urged members of the different churches and the community at large to desist from depending on government handouts.

Kgosi Telekelo said he was disappointed that the turn-up at the Kgotla was unsatisfactory, despite this being a patriotic anniversary. He said Batswana were lucky not to have had to use violence to gain their independence, hence people should come forward to celebrate.

He stressed that in earlier years, Independence Day celebrations were euphoric. “I have an outstanding memory of having to memorise the National Anthem and then going to a big celebration,” said Kgosi Telekelo.

“The colours of the national flag, the majesty of our anthem and the joy of family and friends! I fell passionately in love with my country and have never fallen out.”

Because his birthday coincides with Independence Day, Kgosi Telekelo said he was disappointed no effort had been made to identify Batswana whose birthdays fall on the same day. “It would be a great honour if all my age mates can come together to celebrate and hold a big celebration for our birthday and the independence of our country,” he said.

Others have made a similar appeal. Like Kgosi Telekelo and the Republic of Botswana, Neoetsile Simon was turning 44. Simon said she was proud to be a part of the history of Botswana and hoped the stability of the country would continue to conquer over everything.

She was also happy with the development of the country and her village. “At the time we were born, our primary school had only two classrooms and many had to be taught under trees,” she said. “But today, we have a fully fledged primary school and a secondary school.”

Mphoeng Joromea was also proud to share her birthday with the country. Joromea said Batswana should appreciate what the government has done and build on it.