Bangwato remember SSK with song and dance

BOTHO BAPUTAKI
Correspondent | Wednesday July 3, 2013 00:00

 

The event was attended by Sir Seretse Khama’s sister Naledi Khama, Regent of the Bangwato Sediegeng Kgamane, Paramount Chief to the Bangwaketse Chief Malope II and Central District Council Chairman Lesego Raditanka among others.When giving a brief historical background and overview of the event, chairman of the Bangwato Community Organising Committee Keitire Keforilwe Mogosha said Sir Seretse Khama Day is special not only to the Bangwato but to the country at large.He said since his passing the Bangwato have seen it fit to gather in his memory every year.

“It began with churches that came to give a word of comfort and later on, as years passed, other members of the community joined in to celebrate and make it a day to remember,” he said.He said the committee’s wish was for the people to walk the road that the Bangwato took during the 19th century wars, but due to financial constraints, they have not been able to do so.He said that it is currently difficult for the committee since people “do not want to part with their riches”. He also urged Bangwato from all over the country to donate anything in future. Kgosi Malope II said he was humbled by the invitation to be the guest speaker at such an event and that went to show that Bangwaketse and Bangwato were united just like all Batswana are.

“Let us remember that Sir Seretse Khama was a Mongwato Chief who loved the whole country and set aside his role as Paramount Chief to use his education, knowledge and wisdom to become the first president of Botswana,” he said.He further said “this should teach us all a lesson that the interest and unity of a country comes before our interest as different ethnic groups.“From the beginning, various ethnic groups in Botswana have been respectful and tolerant to one another and have lived together peacefully,” said Kgosi Malope II.

He also highlighted that Sir Seretse Khama loved and cherished peace and that Batswana should take it seriously and not deny the fact that there are different ethnic groups that make up Botswana. The Bangwaketse Paramount Chief reminded the audience that Sir Seretse Khama refused to lose his culture and stated that a “nation without culture is like a lost nation”. The chief encouraged the youth to hold their culture close to their hearts and forever be proud of it.He said culture defines where Batswana come from as a nation and where they are headed.

He urged the elders to teach the youth their culture and encouraged them to walk with their heads held up high in representing Botswana culture wherever they go.He also said Batswana should not allow anything or anybody to come and change them as a people of Botswana, a country that is a gift from God and their ancestors.The day ended with a tour of the royal cemetery where wreaths were laid on both Sir Seretse Khama and Lady Ruth Khama’s graves and also in front of the late president’s statue.