14 Sep 2014

“Dikgafela tseo! Dikgafela tseo! Bakgatla,’’ deputy kgosi Kwelagobe Mookodi shouted atop his voice summoning all Moshupa wards (dikgotla) for a parade at the entrance of the main kgotla, during the dikgafela ceremony last Friday.

Crowds assembled in the kgotla echoing with loud voices, “A di tle mokgatla,’’ as the spring sun was showing its true depth, heating up as the dikgafela energy levels was also on the rise.

 Elderly women had covered their shoulders with shawls of a matching colour and pattern while donning German print skirts commonly called leteisi.

Most men were well attired on animal hides, apparently of a maroon and white ox, which is the male version of Bakgatla ba Moshupa’s totem referred to in the vernacular as babina kgomo e naana.

 It was marvelous to watch when Kgosi Mookodi called different wards to bring in harvests to Kgosi Mosielele, bringing in unprocessed grain, followed by traditional sorghum brew, he called about 12 wards parading accordingly, as the melody went “Tshikhi! tshikhi ! Pula e ana, re tla tshabela kae.’’

The programme included Megale Traditional Dance Group, Dikgeleke, Matebele and Shining Stars choirs plus poetry who provided entertainment during the annual event which has grown in leaps and bounds since 2009.

The guest speaker, Professor Mpho Molomo from University of Botswana commended Moshupa residents for containing the spirit of culture which was eroding rapidly.

Prof. Molomo indicated that culture moulds the spirit of self-sustainability, democracy and self-esteem, encouraging Bakgatla to keep it up, so that other tribes would follow their footsteps. 

He said bogosi should be respected because they are the builders of this country before politicians.

He mentioned that tribal administration should be recognised, adding that some of their offices were dilapidated. He encouraged Batswana to focus on agricultural activities for survival.

In his welcome remarks Kgois Oscar Mosielele appealed to Bakgatla to work jointly together to keep dikgafela ongoing, saying next year they are expecting youth of Moshupa to run dikgafela event so that they would never lose track. 

He implored the new generation to follow in the path of old generation. ENDS