05 Aug 2013

In an effort to preserve culture and celebrate a season of good harvest, residents of Gulubane ward in Tati Siding gathered to feast on traditional food and encourage one another.

Speaking at the event on Saturday, coordinator of the project , Ms Gomotsang Mosweswe explained that they had realised that their village was losing its status of being a village due to the developments that came with the expansion of the city of Francistown. Through this, she noted that residents were now moving towards adopting the city lifestyle, hence neglecting their culture.

Ms Masweswe noted that originally, residents were farmers who ploughed the fields and produced food which was brought to the Kgotla after the harvesting season to celebrate good harvest.  Such events, she highlighted, had since faded with people now living in isolation from one another.

 Therefore, through the celebration of good harvest, she explained that they were aiming at reviving the spirit of botho as well as the spirit of giving.

Furthermore, she stated that they were also aiming at encouraging the new generation to practice farming even during their working life instead of turning to it after their retirement for the sake of earning income. “We want people to farm and understand that this can be their source of food in families,” she stressed. 

Ms Masweswe further pointed out that they also hoped that if they could encourage young people to go into farming throughout, this would also help reduce the number of fields being sold at a high rate by young people.

She added that selling of residential plots and fields was a major concern in their village and through the cultural events, they would also aimed at educating people on the importance of preserving land and making use of it. 

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Tati East, Mr Samson Guma applauded the people of Gulubane ward for reviving the culture in the village noting that developments should not be seen as an excuse not to practice and live one’s culture.

He urged them to turn the day into an annual event which would be used to bring the people of Tati Siding together no matter their class, adding that through the event those in need would  feel welcome and appreciated. “Farming does not have a class and everybody can do it and the harvest celebrated and shared by all,” said Mr Guma.

He further encouraged them to collect more traditional artworks which they will put up on display during the celebration, especially those that reflect their original being.  He promised them two beasts for the next year’s event and said he would assist them to get a sponsor for other events. ENDS