15 Feb 2017

Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Moiseraele Goya has suggested that there be uniform traditional regalia for Bangwato that would set them apart from other ethnic groups.
Speaking during the launch of Malata Ngwao Cultural Society of Serowe, February 14, Goya observed that the so called traditional attire or german print, won by many at various cultural activities cut across various ethnic groups and hence cannot be representative of Ngwato people.
Together with Kgosi Serogola Seretse, Goya argued that donning german print commonly known as leteise was clear indication of a lost people of Ga-Mmangwato.
To this, the assistant minister challenged the Malata Ngwao Cultural Society to be true champions of resuscitation of Ngwato culture with the view of passing it on to youngsters.
This is despite the observation that the youth have shun their culture for foreign ones they see on television,Goya said.
Goya advised that forsaking all the traditions of Ngwato culture could be detrimental to the cause of the society.
While calling for resuscitation of culture, Goya was critical of some practices which he found to have infiltrated Ngwato culture. He cited payment of bogadi as one of the commonly practiced traditions which were a borrowed culture. Goya, who is also a Member of Parliament for Palapye, challenged Malata Ngwao Cultural Society to stage annual events that celebrated culture whille simultaneously imparting the same to youth and attendants alike.
Such events could be at the level or surpass the likes of Dithubaruba in Molepolole and Domboshaba in Bokalaka.
Acknowledging that different ethnic groups differ in culture, Kgosi Seretse warned against being tribalistic as observed in some cultural events.
Though not pointing a finger at any particular event, Kgosi Serogola appealed to all to shun tribalism and appreciate unity in diversity.
Kgosi Serogola rued loss of culture at a time when infrastructural development took centre stage in GammaNgwato.
It was at this time that traditional houses of GammaNgwato were demolished paving way for modernity, Kgosi Serogola observed.
He too took a swipe at the presentation of german print attire by his people. He observed that the German print was almost a global wear.
However, Kgosi Serogola was optimistic that the largely adult populated society would introspect and deliver on their mandate unlike youth groups which had failed after fertilising the air with hope of resuscitating culture.
The establishment of the society was mooted in November 2015 but was later reserved while members engaged in ploughing until February 2016 when the wheels were set in motion.
The society is  registered with Registrar of Societies. ends