13 Jul 2015

Pottery and ceramics have been an important part of human culture for over thousands of years.

From prehistoric storage jars to tiles in space shuttles, pottery has played a key role in human endeavours from time immemorial.

Batswana, especially residents of Francistown and its outskirts, have had a chance to continue this creative arts legacy through Lekgaba Ceramic and Pottery Training Centre, at the foot of the Nyangabwe Hill.

However, passing on these creative skills to the next generation has since been shattered as Lekgaba Lekgaba Ceramic and Pottery Training Centre last saw the light of day in 2005 when it held the first and last pottery festival at Galo Mall.

Since then the place has become desolate.

Once standing proud behind Nyangabwe Hill, Lekgaba was the pride of Francistown residents, as it did not only offer theoretical education but had the best equipment that enabled its students to produce exquisite sculptures and ceramic vessels, cups and kettles that were not only alluring to the eye but were of high quality.

Lekgaba, which covers more than 800 square metres, had classrooms, hostels and workshops where students learnt the art of pottery.

The place gave one peace and tranquillity. Its location behind the hill enabled one to escape the noise pollution and made for meditation over pottery.

Today what remains is a relic of the shattered dream.

The massive Lekgaba building is dilapidated, with moth-ravished doors, falling ceilings and missing electricity cables. As things stand, the place will definitely cost more money to renovate than to build a complete new project.

What is left of the once extremely exorbitant firing kennel, drying pallets and ceramics is ruins.

Lekgaba Ceramic and Pottery Training Centre now falls under the ambit of the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA).

Although the LEA Francistown Incubator manager Osi Lesole confirmed that Lekgaba was under their management, he referred enquiries to Gaborone.

The director of Corporate and Stakeholder Relations at LEA, Boikhutso Kgomanyane also acknowledged that Lekgaba is under their management and promised to revert back with more information on its status to no avail.

However, a former student of Lekgaba and an art enthusiast, Vusa Moratiwa decried the fall of Lekgaba.

He stressed that as a qualified pottery and ceramic designer, he wished the place could still serve its purpose.

He also stressed that the responsible authorities could have leased the place to other investors so that it can benefit the community rather than to be left to rot.

He said that in its current state, it will cost government a lot of money to renovate the training centre.

Moratiwa expressed his interest in holding art exhibitions and saw Lekgaba as an ideal host.

Another resident of Francistown, Rachael Modongo stated that Lekgaba’s state is endangering the lives of Ntshe residents as it has turned into a safe haven for criminals.

She said the bushy place and its dilapidated buildings are used as storage facilities by thieves.

She also stressed that it is dangerous to pass near the place at night as one is at risk of being attacked by thugs and or bitten by snakes. Ends