22 Jul 2014

A kgotla is one of the most sacred and prominent emblems of Setswana heritage, says the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Peter Siele.

Officially handing over the newly built Kanye kgotla shelter recently, Mr Siele said a kgotla also strengthens democracy and promotes discipline and respect.

The shelter was built at a cost of P1 million through the assistance of Jwaneng mine.

 Mr Siele said the shelter was a long term investment in the community, adding that it was a place for all to gather and appreciate culture.

He said Jwaneng mine made a good decision to contribute to the project as it promotes culture and traditions of Batswana.
 “This will strengthen the consultative process and provide a forum that Batswana inherited from their forefathers where every member of the community is free to air their views regardless of gender, age and ethnicity,’’ said Mr Siele.


He said the shelter would project the village’s image, identity and shape, adding that Jwaneng mine had enabled Bangwaketse to achieve their dream. Jwaneng mine project manager, Mr Moleko Majaha said it was their goal to give back to communities, particularly those around the diamond mining town.

Mr Majaha said the project started in December 2013 and ended in May 2014. The new shelter, which was built by a local contractor, has an ablution block and a conference hall.


Kgosi Malope II thanked Debswana for assisting Bangwaketse to built the shelter and appealed for more financial help in the future should the need arise.

The Member of Parliament for Kanye North, Mr Kentse Rammidi commended Jwaneng mine for completing the project on schedule, saying the government was concerned about some local contractors who disappear before they complete projects.  ENDS