19 Sep 2016

 Preceding the independence celebrations, the Kgatleng Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee (ICHC) organised a Queen Mother’s High Tea at  Phuthadikobo Museum aimed at celebrating the 50^th anniversary of Mma-Seingwaeng’s 50 years commitment and leadership to the village since her royal matrimony to the late Kgosi Linchwe II.

Speaking during the event, ICHC committee member, Ntikwe Motlotle said they saw it fit to celebrate Mma Seingwaeng, who she said has been the pillar and an example to other women. She said the high tea was to celebrate her many achievements including her lengthy marriage to the late Kgosi Linchwe II, being the leader and instructor of Bojale, grooming and witnessing the coronation of her son Kgosi Kgafela II amongst many.

“Mma Seingwaeng is a natural mother, she was chosen among the rest and I believe God ordained her to be the Queen she is. She is a woman of substance who is forever aiming and striving for peace and unity,” Motlotle said.

She further said as the committee that preserves intangible cultural heritage they were compelled to celebrate Mma Seingwaeng while she was alive. She said they also intend to show their gratitude for her commitment to Bakgatla ba ga Kgafela since 1966.

Motlotle also said they wanted to celebrate Mma Seingwaeng before the rest of the people celebrated her, adding that she would be receiving an honourary award on behalf of her late husband, and said they thought it wise to celebrate her before the 29^th when she would be celebrating her husband.

She said they intend to make the Queen High Tea an annual event and said it was pleasing to find the young and old blending and having a great time celebrating the queen. She said her committee was encouraged and pleased to see their efforts bare fruit, adding that people should celebrate their heroes.

For her part, Mma Seingwaeng, as she is popularly known, expressed her appreciation to the organisers and the people who thronged the event. She encouraged the crowd to continue preserving culture and respecting history which she said would set apart their village from the rest.

She applauded the youth, especially the performers for their participation and said they should pride themselves with their culture. She said they should ensure they abide by good conduct that Botswana was known for, saying individuals should discipline themselves and strive for harmony.

Mma Seingwaeng also advised young people to familiarise themselves with the village history and to visit the museum even after the event to enlighten themselves with   relevant and factual information.    

In an interview, former RB1 presenter, Mogatusi Kwapa said the event was a success as attendance was on point. He said Mma Seingwaeng was worthy to be celebrated considering her contribution. He also said he took her as a mother as she offered him advice whenever necessary. 

“For as long as I can remember Mma Seingwaeng has been humble and prime to her events and interactions with women which yielded fruits and were a success. Mmaarona has also worked hard in the general development of our village” Kwapa said.ENDS