30 Oct 2016

Panelists at a two-day workshop for health personnel in Kanye are of the opinion that the spirit of volunteerism still exists, but it is not appreciated.

The panel, which included among others, Professor Thapelo Otlogetswe, Dr Patrick Molutsi, Mr Thamiso Chabalala, Kehumile Mogobe and Ms Monica Dikhupe discussed various topics including the importance of volunteerism for community development.

The workshop brought together  different church leaders, nurses, health volunteers and community leaders to discuss health issues in relation to the fight against HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Dr Molutsi said in the olden days, there were idioms and norms that were taught and followed by both boys and girls with the aim of growing them into responsible men and women.

He opined that Batswana should revive culture together with the spirit of volunteerism, adding that it was imperative for the youth to look up to their elders and learn cultural aspects that could help build their lives.

He said it was the responsibility of dikgosi in particular to ensure that culture was preserved in order to ensure the nation is not swallowed by foreign cultures.

He applauded the government for recognising the importance and relevance of bogosi even in the current modern era.

Meanwhile, Professor Otlogetswe said it was important for the past generation to preserve and teach the young generation the importance of culture preservation as it was evident that a people that preserve their culture continue to live in peace and harmony.

He said volunteerism is still existent in Botswana, sighting Batswana practices such as burial societies, neighbours helping out at weddings and other communal celebrations.

Prof Otlogetswe said volunteering assists one to gain experience and encouraged Batswana to revive the culture and the spirit of volunteerism.

For her part, Ms Mogobe said Batswana are known for their self-reliance. He said University of Botswana was built by Batswana through the spirit of volunteerism. She said to go to church and recruiting more members to church is another form of volunteerism while deputy Kanye Administration Authority council chairperson, Mr Thamiso Chabalala said politicians are also volunteers.

He said volunteers should be rewarded and recognised by the community, adding that people should volunteer in their area of interest.

Mr Tlhomelang complained that dikgosi’s powers have been taken by public officers and politicians. He said Batswana used to practice Motshelo, majako and mafisa, which made their lives easier, giving an example of Mmakgodumo Dam in Kanye, which was built by regiments.
He said Bangwaketse used to plough vegetables and feed the community and some hospitals and senior schools around the country were built by churches through volunteerism. ENDS