Bakwena murals, an epitome of culture, history :: Mmegi Online

Early inhabitants carved their way of life and culture on rocks and caves. Even today people can still relate to the centuries old art and understand their culture and history. The Ministry of Youth Sport and Culture (MYSC) has engaged a youthful group of seven artists in Molepolole to paint murals at the Molepolole Kgotla. Mmegi Staffer MOMPATI TLHANKANE took a trip to the Kweneng capital to get a comprehensive overview of Bakwena’s history in the form of public art.

Chosen by MYSC, the seven artists are Tlholego Radikolana, Mmoloki Timpa, Mmoloki Matlale, Tumelo Thuthuka, Vincent Moiteelasilo, Sylvester Koweno and Koketso Mosarwa.

This year marks 50 years since Botswana gained independence and it also marks 124 years since the death of Kgosi Sechele I of Bakwena. The murals at the Bakwena kgotla highlight Sechele as an integral part of Bakwena’s rich culture and history. The group of talented artists put him alongside Kgosi Sebele I and Kgosi Kgari. To dwell more on history, one of the painting depicts an image of Sechele’s cannon used to defend Bakwena during the battle of Dimawe on August 30, 1852. The cannon currently lies at a museum in Mafikeng in South Africa. Though the artists have never seen it, they managed to create a brief overview of the old cannon through their painting.

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