02 Oct 2015

The national policy on culture seeks to rekindle the spirit of unity and pride among Batswana, Good Hope-Mabule MP elect, Kgosi Lotlaamoreng II says.

Kgosi Lotlaamoreng said cultural activities create awareness on the importance of the preservation of culture, resuscitation and promotion of various cultures. 

He was speaking during the Barolong culture day held under the theme: Ngwao yame, Ipelo yame, aimed at enabling them to realise the pillar of ‘a united and proud nation’ as espoused in Vision 2016. 

“Botswana has a diverse mix of ethnic and linguistic groups, in which, each has its own cultural practices and traditions and this commemoration of the culture day creates an enabling environment for them to celebrate their culture, interact with others for national cohesion,” he said. 

He encouraged them that all should take the responsibility of guarding, transmitting and preserving cultural heritage by participating in these events.

Kgosi Lotlaamoreng also applauded groups such as Dikwena of Thareseleele for making significant representation of their culture, and they got special recognition from the Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture and earned themselves a ticket to participate in the national culture day celebrations in Tonota on May 22.

“Dikhwaere, segaba, setinkane, contemporary drama and dance with other initiatives undertaken by different communities around the country had contributed significantly to the awakening of the cultural identity of Batswana.”

Furthermore, Kgosi Lotlaamoreng said the increase in the number of cultural celebrations and commemorations such as letlhafula, letsema and bogwera around the country also show growth in culture awareness.

Kgosi Lotlaamoreng stated that practices such as bogwera by the Xhosas in Dinatshana show interaction in culture, which instills a sense of responsibility, identity, unity and ownership in the village.

However, Kgosi Lotlaamoreng said there was still concern by the way culture was being lost and values eroded, which leads to cultural erosions and social ills.

He said cultural exchange programmes could help Batswana learn and understand each other’s cultures and norms so that there was mutual respect and cooperation. Ends