In defence of the Okapi in Parley
Friday, July 29, 2016
While many utensils lie innocently in a tool drawer, the Okapi enjoys a rather rare and intriguing reputation on township streets, rural passages and social gatherings, a feat that has seen it earning the status of some sort of a badge or rank for a well-earned street cred, and as the proud mark of an elder conversant with tradition and the conundrum that life is.
Make no mistake, the Okapi is no ordinary knife or hazardous object as claimed by Parley authorities. Since arrival in 1902, it culturally carved itself a niche becoming the envy of every elderly man, toothless or equipped, for its unique mastery to assist in eating meat at traditional feasts and gatherings.
While it is widely acknowledged that Khama holds the title of Kgosi, the government’s failure to properly gazette his recognition has raised serious concerns about adherence to legal procedures and the credibility of traditional leadership. (See a story elsewhere in this newspaper.) Recent court documents by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Kgotla Autlwetse, shed light on the intricacies of Khama’s recognition process....