06 Jul 2015

Mmanaana Junior Secondary School headmaster Mr Sabata Tlhaselo has called on Batswana to introspect with regard to cultural revival and preservation in order to impart it to the new and coming generations for the nation to remain focused.

Speaking during the school’s culture day over the weekend, Mr Sabata said cultural values are diminishing and schools should assist in preserving culture.

Mr Tlhaselo therefore urged Batswana to have a sense of introspection with regard to their contribution to cement, revive and preserve culture that would   shape the future of the country.

He quoted the first President of Botswana, the late Sir Seretse Khama as saying, “a nation without a past is a lost nation and a people without a past is a people without a soul’’, saying the words are critical in cultural revival and preservation.

Mr Tlhaselo wished that people could grasp the former President’s message, adopt it, live with it and use it in their daily lives.

He said culture contributes immensely to building self-esteem and that it allows people to have a sense of forgiveness, tolerance, and respect for each other; as such it is worth preserving it.

He said Batswana should pride themselves with having a rich diverse culture because it is a building block for one of the national principles of ‘Botho’, which entails serving the public in a manner that is courteous, polite, respectful, and considerate.

He said a tree is trimmed while still young (Lore le ojwa le sa le metsi), therefore they want to instill culture in children at a tender age.

He said school going age indulge in alcohol and drugs because of disregard to culture.

He said Kgosi Oscar Mosielele of Moshupa and Kgosi Kebinatshwene Mosielele of Manyana are equally concerned with disregard to cultural values and the circumstances calls for schools to impart Setswana custom to children to help rescue the situation. ENDS