20 Nov 2017

Eloyi Christian Church in Maun has been hailed for preserving and promoting different cultural activities for the benefit of the new generation.

The church, which is made up of different ethnic groups, held a colourful cultural event aimed at preserving and instilling norms and customs on younger generations to ensure sustainability of unique and exciting different cultures.

The event was also aimed at raising funds for the construction of the church’s facility estimated at over P1.2 million.

The church showcased their culture through music, dance, attire and poetry. Traditional food tasting also took place.

Speaking during the event, Batawana acting paramount chief, Kgosi Kealetile Moremi hailed the church, noting that what they were doing was education to others to preserve their cultures.

She described the event as a nation building activity aimed at bringing people together, saying that was in line with government mission of encouraging different tribes to preserve and promote their cultures.

She said what impressed her most was the usage of different languages, display of traditional food, which indeed showed diverse cultures.

Another thing that impressed the audience was the construction of a kgotla and lelwapana (a place where married women discuss issues or conduct marriage pre-counselling).

Kgosi Moremi learnt that the two places were meant to reprimand young people who misbehaved and also to discuss important issues aimed at instill ingthe spirit of Botho.

She appreciated efforts made by the church and explained that culture played a big role as it moulded people.

She said the church was implementing what they preach as they respond positively to difficult situations faced by individuals and families.

She also noted that government continued to recognise the role played by churches.

Citing the church’s involvement in national activities such as praying for rain and other social ills bedevilling the youth.

In Maun, she stated they experienced incidents of satanism in schools and churches joined hands with the leadership to deal with the situation.

“It is encouraging to see our religious organisations joining hands with government in responding positively to this challenge,” she said.

Earlier on, Bishop Bapadile Lesole explained that the church had 14 branches in Ngamiland and most of the branches were made up of diverse communities, hence they decided to hold a cultural event to show fellow members that they were equally important.

He said they also wanted to promote collaboration and ensure they understand each other’s rich culture to be able to live in harmony.

He said the event was in line with the celebration of Botswana’s independence jubilee as they would have time to reflect back.

Maun branch pastor, Bishop Moagi Ntukununu gave a brief history of the church, stating that it was formed in 1994 and opened its doors in Ngamiland in 1997.

He observed that they secured a plot at Sedie ward in 2004 and the lease was issued in 2015.

Since the existence of the church, he said they had made a difference in the lives of the needy society by donating food hampers, providing shelter and donating blankets to Letsholathebe Memorial Hospital.

He appealed to business community and the public at large to pledge any donation in kind towards the success of the construction of the church building. ENDS