26 Sep 2017

The Pantsula Gem held a parade on September 23 in Mochudi under the theme Unearthing Your Talents and Integrity to Accelerate our Economy.

Speaking at the event, the assistant district commissioner, Lydia Keatlholetswe appreciated the organisers for bringing such an event to Kgatleng because the district had been experiencing an increase in cases of abuse, theft, gender based violence and alcohol and drug abuse.

The assistant district commissioner encouraged Boseja residents, especially the youth to learn good behaviour from mapantsola, to take care of themselves, to be clean at all times and to refrain from unacceptable behaviour.

Keatlholetswe said unlike in the past, where Mapantsola were associated with crime and lawlessness, nowadays they have changed and the public views them differently.

She encouraged the youth to explore their capabilities and nurture their talents in order to make a living and emphasised that  government was  doing all  for the youth to take part in performing arts since they could generate income.

Pantsula Gem Festival coordinator,  Barati Monyake-Seiketso said the festival had about 1 000 mapantsula from all 17 branches of Botswana parading.

Giving an overview of the event, she said the parade was all about nurturing youth talents and luring youth to start businesses through performing arts to earn a living.

She added that there was high unemployment and as such  young people should learn to use the craft to earn a better living.

She urged young people to be driven by passion because it could create an opportunity for them.

Monyake-Seiketso said people had wrong perceptions about mapantsola and thought that they were associated with crime and indiscipline.

She said all the pantsolas from different regions in the country had a purpose to fight crime.

She further stated that they wanted to use their unique apparel to promote Botswana tourism  the same way as traditional attire.

She appreciated the sponsors, Mochudi Spar and Shoprite who provided them with water during the event and appealed for  sponsorship for next year’s parade.

Assistant Supt Onthusitse Keitumele encouraged Mapantsula to  keep up the good work, saying it would mould young people to distinguish bad from good behaviour.

Assistant Supt Keitumele said he was impressed by the creativity they brought to the community with their unique dress sense and with top class cleanliness.

He encouraged the public to fight crime in their  communities and to participate in neighborhood watch activities. ENDS