26 Mar 2019

Barolong residing in Maun have been hailed for upholding their culture for the benefit of the new generation.

 Kgosi Charles Letsholathebe hailed them during a ceremony organised by a committee called Barolong a re itsaneng, which aimed to bring Barolong together so that they could trace their roots, speak with one voice and preserve their culture.

The event was part of preparations for the big event scheduled for Mafikeng, South Africa, in April where they would interact with their counterparts and share history and their linage. Every year, Barolong from Botswana and South Africa choose a place to meet and celebrate their history. Last year the event was held in Ghanzi.

Kgosi Letsholathebe said it was a welcome development to see a tribe eager to trace its roots and preserve the information for the benefit of the new generation.

“In Ngamiland, we consider you as Batawana because you are part of us, but it is critical to know your roots and identity as a tribe,” he added.

He commended Barolong for the formation of a committee which spearhead their meetings and activities, noting that it would promote team work among themselves.

 He also encouraged them to continue maintaining their relationship with Barolong in Mafikeng in an effort to revive their culture.

He added that they should also document their history so that it could be well known.

During the event, Barolong elders took turns to narrate their history and share family trees, and how the trees linked together. A majority of them shed light on their history, but could not share what could have driven them from South Africa.

Although some suspected that it could be in connection with the succession of chieftainship issues. According to history, Barolong fled from South Africa and scattered over a considerable portions of Botswana as some are located in the southern part of the country along the Botswana/South Africa boundary line while some are in Ngamiland, Ghanzi, Ranaka and Matsiloje.

The elders could not recall the period when they settled in Ngamiland, but what they said was that when Maun was founded, their forefathers were already settled in the village and were welcomed by Kgosi Mathiba I. Maun was founded in 1915 as a capital of Batawana.

One of the elders, Mr Sebatana Setlhodi said their initiative was welcome as most of the Barolong did not know their roots and family trees, adding that their interactions had benefited a lot, including the youth who mostly were born and bred in Maun.

 Narrating what he learnt from his forefathers, Mr Setlhodi said firstly they settled at Shorobe and through marriage they relocated to Maun while some settled at Matsiloje in the North East District.

He said Barolong could have scattered all over the country but that they were one big family as they had strong linkages. Kgosi Morulaganyi Makwati of Borolong ward in Maun encouraged them to unite and preserve their culture.

 He said they should turn up in large numbers during meetings, as they could share ideas to address issues of common concern and eventually build the nation.

Kgosi Oateng Setlhodi, who is also the chairperson of Barolong a re itsaneng committee, urged Barolong to register in large numbers with the committee and to take part in community activities.

He also encouraged them to register for the big event, noting that other districts had registered in numbers whereas in Maun they were still dragging their feet. The event would be held on 26-28 April in Mafikeng. ENDS