mmegi

The devastating blow on African culture

Undoubtedly the advent of western education and civilisation dealt a devastating blow on African culture. Modern western education was transformative in nature, designed for all intents and purposes to obliterate and uproot African ‘primitivity and backwardness’ while placing on the pedestal the ‘sophisticated’ western culture.

On many fronts, western education championed its transformative agenda with distinction. In our jurisdiction and indeed elsewhere in the continent, indigenous traditional initiation universities of bogwera and bojale, which were custodians of the African heritage, could not withstand the vicious western onslaught. Many traditional schools were completely swept away and those that survived had their influence diluted.

Conscious of the power of language as a carrier and custodian of culture, western education targeted local languages with the intention of undermining them. And in this regard, western education must be credited for doing its home work well. Today many local languages have literally become endangered species, gasping for air and struggling to survive.

Editor's Comment
Diplomatic relations must be on equal footing

“Let us never negotiate out of fear.But let us never fear to negotiate”– John F. KennedySupport for healthcare, education, skills and infrastructure can improve lives. The reaffirmed commitment to the Mmopane–Block 8 road is welcome for the prospect of better transport links for surrounding communities.China has shown willingness to assist Botswana, and government deserves credit for securing these commitments. However, the success of our...

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