'Go athola' - a cultural concept that refuses to die!

This is the concept popularly referred to as 'Go athola' (to charge) being the direct translation equivalent. James Kaisara of Masunga says, "This is a concept that cuts across all the tribes in the country. It is a concept that is fully understood by Batswana across the tribal divide. It remains one of the social control mechanisms through which the youth are taught the norms and values of the society through some form of punishment or penalties for flouting established norms and values of the society." He explains that the main focus of such an undertaking is on the effect of the punishment on those who unfortunately have to bear the brunt for flouting the rules.

"The punishment of any form will, therefore, serve more as a guide and a constant reminder to the individuals that whatever they had said or done was not culturally sanctioned by the society," he reasons. He reveals that the nature of the punishment is determined by the gravity of the offence.