17 Aug 2016

The British High Commissioner to Botswana Katherine Ransome has urged Batswana to document their culture and history.
Ransom said in an interview in Kanye yesterday during a courtesy call to Kgosi Malope II of Bangwaketse in recognition of the late Kgosi Bathoen I who was among the three Dikgosi being Kgosi Sebele I of Bakwena and Kgosi Khama I who went to England to motivate for protection  in 1885.
Ransome also the United Kingdom (UK) representative to the Southern African Development Community  explained that it was critical to remember the role the three leaders had played as the nation celebrated 50 years of independence.
The envoy also pleaded that the long standing friendship between Botswana and England should be preserved.
The senior chief representative Kgosi Goboletswe Ketsitlile took Ransome through the history of Bangwaketse particularly the legendary works of the late Kgosi Bathoen II, Kgosi Seepapitso III and his son and incumbent Kgosi Malope II.
In appreciation of the rich historical heritage shared, Ransom described Kgosi Ketsitlile as “a walking history.”
From the main kgotla Ransom visited the Bathoen II statue, museum and the Records Centre where she read the latter’s personal archives.
Ransom also visited Mmakgodumo dam which is what is left of an irrigation project which was constructed through regiments by Kgosi Bathoen II  to feed school children with vegetables and fruits in 1932. Kgosi Malope expressed a wish by his subjects to turn the area into a tourist attraction.
Still in Kanye, Ransome visited Mmalekwa royal cemetery where she laid a wreath at one of the royalties’ tombs Kgosi Ofetotse Gaseitsewe, the first to be buried in the area.
Meanwhile Kgosi Malope has appealed to Ransome to assist Bangwaketse acquire funds to develop and preserve the royal cemetery for generations to come. He also applauded the envoy for the visit. ENDS