19 Oct 2017

An air of triumph and a deep sense of excitement is fast swelling up among Bangwaketse as the young and old alike brace themselves for Dikgafela at Kgosing ward in Kanye October 20.
President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama is expected to be in the midst of hundreds of cultural enthusiasts who will this morning ascend on Ntsweng and witness a cultural spectacle, last celebrated by the tribe in 1992.
To the young, there is sheer thrill and anticipation of what the whole cultural fiesta is about.

Ms Thato Tlhagare, whose countenance exudes excitement; what to wear for the event has clearly absorbed her mind.
Not only does the 21-year-old Tlhagare want to adapt to the historic event, she wants to go into the annals of Sengwaketse as a true champion of cultural resurgence.

To the old, the cultural spectacle conjures up memories of old, where other than encouraging food security among the tribe, Dikgafela provided a necessary platform to promote social cohesion.
Senior Chief Representative at Kanye Tribal Administration, Kgosi Kwelagobe Mookodi said in an interview that today’s event would go a long way at revamping integral cultural aspect that was fast dissipating from Sengwaketse culture and custom.
“Dikgafela is one cultural aspect that has not only eluded Bangwaketse for years on end.

Even the late Kgosi Seepapitso had always wanted to see the return of Dikgafela at this kgotla,” said Kgosi Mookodi.
He attributed the success of this year’s Dikgafela to the able leadership of Kgosikgolo, Kgosi Malope II, who had pulled out the stops to see the resurrection of the thanks giving ceremony.

Contrary to insinuations by some people who say Dikgafela has no place in society today, Kgosi Mookodi asserts there is a lot that can be derived from the cultural festival.
“Other than providing a platform for people to exchange ideas on best farming practices, dikgafela promote unity and peace.

Mind you, dikgafela have always encouraged people to be self-reliant and move away from total dependence on government,” he said.
In addition, Kgosi Mookodi said the cultural spectacle would help educate young people about cultural aspects that they otherwise were not exposed to on daily basis.

He said also that as per Setswana tradition and custom plans were afoot to fence the Silos in Kanye to store grain accumulated through dikgafela, which Kgosikgolo would in turn redistribute to the hungry during dry spells.
His sentiment are shared by Kgosi Kebinatshwene Mosielele of Manyana, who has also seen to it that Bahurutshe-boo-Manyana hold Dikgafela annually.
“Dikgafela bring societies together under one roof, where they will be able to share life experiences.

For instance here in Manyana we go to the extent of inviting officials from the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security and department of Meteorology to come share pertinent information on issues among them; best farming technologies, climate change,” he said.
Kgosi Kebinatshwene said during hard times dikgosi could only give to the hungry grains proportionate to what was initially given during harvest.

“If people bring a lot of grains during bumper harvest, dikgosi will then be able to give more to feed the hungry during dire times,” he said.
A Headman of Record at Moshupa Tribal Administration, Mr Mothusinyana Mochankana also echoed the duo’s words, saying for instance in Moshupa, Kgosi as the custodian of grains accumulated during dikgafela has been able to use stored grains to feed the poor over the years.