03 Nov 2015

Deputy permanent secretary (DPS) in the Office of the President responsible for the media, Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo, says Botswana has a rich history, which is not documented.

Speaking during the Babirwa Cultural Festival in Motlhabaneng over the weekend, Kaboeamodimo said much as people relied on oral traditions, there was need to document culture to preserve it for future generations.

Culture, he said, was important in that it could be applied to address social ills such as moral decadence, improper dress, especially among young people.

The spirit of Botho was dying but could be revived through culture, he said challenging Babirwa and Batswana in general to preserve their culture through various forms such as dress, mannerism, customs and language. 

Kaboeamodimo said it was promising to note that different ethnic groups had realised the need to resuscitate their culture because it had great potential to provide a living for people.

He stated that culture brought unity among the nation; as such trending issues such as Bogosi which have now become common could be addressed through observing culture.

The DPS said some people made wrongful claims about bogosi because they lacked knowledge and history.

He praised the arts and constituency competitions under the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture for having revived culture in different corners of the country which allowed many people to reach their potential through performance.

The competitions also allowed for unity among different ethnic groups.Culture, he said, was important in that it built and united the nation and the peace and tranquil that reigned in the country.

In the past, people were able to perform well because they respected their culture and were able to avoid risky practices and remained good citizens, he pointed out, adding that language was another aspect that must be preserved and not allowed to divide the nation. 

DPS also emphasised the need to eat healthy traditional food over modern food, which he said caused diseases. 

He also said people in the Bobirwa area were religious something which did not come by chance but because they respected culture.

Earlier the Member of Parliament for Bobonong Shaw Kgathi, also minister for Defence, Justice and Security, commended Re tla re ke Dipitse cultural group for organising the event for the purpose of culture revival.

Kgathi said it was upon Babirwa to promote their culture and cited historical sites such as Mmamakwa, Solomon’s Wall, Phitshane, Mapungubwe, the song Selelo sa Malema as some of the heritages not protected.

The MP also donated P2000 towards Re tla re ke Dipitse account for their planned trip to Australia in 2017.  Ends