08 Aug 2016

A kgotla plays a significant role in strengthening democracy as well as promoting discipline and respect.

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Mr Frans Van Der Westhuizen said this during the official handing over of a kgotla shelter at White City ward in Mahalapye on July 4.

He said the kgotla as one of the most sacred and prominent emblems of heritage, is where rituals, trials, sentences, corporal punishment and other court activities take place. 

“It represents a major element of the country’s historical and cultural heritage,” he added.

The White City kgotla shelter was constructed by the Village Development Committees and residents of Botalathoma wards in Mahalapye through the spirit of self-reliance.

Mr Van Der Westhuizen said this was a very noble gesture displayed by the community of Botalathoma, adding that it was very important to customary courts as these were the institutions that play a major role in upholding the Setswana culture.

He said the project was also a long term investment in the community that provides a place for all to gather and appreciate their culture.

The assistant minister noted that the project has the potential to contribute to tourism and economic diversification through cultural tourism as one form of culture preservation.

As such, Mr Van Der Westhuizen explained that the VDC and the community made a good decision to consider a suitable project that promotes culture and traditions of Batswana.

He said the project would also preserve culture for future generations, noting that the shelter depicted Setswana tradition and cultural identity.

The assistant minister said it would strengthen the consultative process and provide a forum that Batswana inherited from their forefathers where every member of the community was free to air their views regardless of gender, age and ethnicity.

Therefore, he applauded both the VDC and the community who had contributed financially and in kind towards this development, adding that their contributions towards the project showed their commitment and self-reliance in community aspirations.

Mr Van Der Westhuizen said their deeds would remain with their community forever and be enjoyed by future generations and also give their village an improved image, identity and shape. 

For his part, Mahalapye VDC umbrella chairperson, Mr Goabaone Ntapu said the project was constructed by three wards, namely the Botalaote, White City and Thomadithotse wards hence the name Botalathoma.

The shelter, he said,  was constructed through the spirit of self-reliance and volunteerism.Ends