01 Jul 2015

Batawana have been urged to preserve their culture for future generations and take pride in it.

Batawana chief representative, Kgosi Charles Letsholathebe said time had come for Batawana to trace their roots and revive their culture.

Speaking at the unveiling of a portrait of Kgosi Tawana Moremi II made by his regiment Matsaakgang, Kgosi Letsholathebe implored parents to encourage their children to hold on to cultural heritage and take part in events such as Mephato.

He said it was frustrating to see all mephato which used to spearhead the activities of the community in the olden days not functioning, noting that only Matsaakgang had resurrected and making efforts to uphold the legacy left by their forefathers who founded Mephato.

He said Matsaakgang had been active since the coronation of Kgosi Tawana adding that the diligence with which the regiment performed was an indication that they were eager to revive a tradition almost forgotten.

Kgosi Letsholathebe, who is the leader of Matsaakgang regiment said they have demonstrated love and care towards their paramount chief noting that it was not the first time for them to organise an event.

Last year, he said they organised Kgosi Tawana’s birthday and “today we have designed a portrait which we want to unveil it to the community so that they can buy it and decorate their offices and homes.”

Kgosi Letsholathebe challenged all other mephato to revive and play their roles in the community. He mentioned all the exiting mephato groups in Goo Tawana and urged the community to partake.

He said mephato were intended to revive other aspects of their culture adding that in the past, they led activities such as letsema, dikgafela, letlhafula and emphasised the need to trace their roots and ensure such activities were conducted without failure.

He urged other mephato to always consult with village elders and tribal elders about how some activities were conducted in the olden days.

The acting paramount chief, Kgosi Kealetile Moremi praised Matsaakgang for a job well done.

She said reviving mephato was a move in the right direction as it aimed at preserving culture and passing it on to the next generation, which was in line with Sir Seretse Khama’s vision.

“Our late former President Sir Seretse Khama once said a ‘nation without culture is a lost one’ and it is pleasing to see Matsaakgang taking the lead in preserving Batawana’s rich culture,” she said.

Kgosi Moremi urged Matsaakgang not to lose hope noting that the community really appreciates their efforts and assured them a great support. For his part, Kgosi Tawana acknowledged the good gesture by his regiment stating that the members were indeed determined to take Batawana culture to a great level.

He said the regiment has a lot of activities in the pipeline and appealed to other regiments and the community at large to give them great support.

Kgosi Tawana also emphasised the need to work together when driving the community activities, developments and discussing issues pertinent to them. He also urged the community to buy the portrait. Ends