17 Apr 2017

The Wayeyi celebrated their first anniversary as a recognised tribe on Saturday by holding a cultural festival.

Speaking during the festival, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said the government congratulated the tribe as they celebrated their first anniversary.

  He said Kgosi Shikati Jakoba Seidisa has been recognised as the new Wayeyi leader following the death of Kgosi Shikati Ozoo.

Mr Tsogwane advised Shikati Seidisa to liaise with all Bayei in other parts of the country in order to grow the tribe and conserve their culture.

He also applauded the Wayeyi youth for preserving their culture, noting that in other tribes cultural events were mostly confined to adults.

“This is commendable because, in this way, culture is being passed from generation to generation,” he said.

Mr Tsogwane also commended the Wayeyi from Namibia led by Shikati Boniface Shifu, saying it was good to see the two countries strengthening their people to people relations.

Minister Tsogwane said Botswana was home to many rich cultures, and that it was important to export and share the rich and diverse cultures with other nations. 

Shikati Seidisa thanked President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama for recognising his tribe, saying his tribe was tolerate but did not condone bad behaviour. 

He pleaded with other tribes to work with them peacefully.

He condemned people who did not appreciate peace, saying even before they got recognition they had been a respectable tribe that fought for what belonged to them.

The Wayeyi celebrated their first anniversary as a recognised tribe under the theme: Marching forward for cultural development. BOPA