28 Jul 2019

Deputy Paramount Chief of Bangwaketse, Kgosi Kebapetse Telekelo has commended Leading Age Foundation for recognising chieftainship.

Kgosi Telekelo said this in his welcome remarks at a ceremony, organised by the foundation, where 65 tribal leaders were recognised for their service to the nation. 

The foundation bestowed orders of service on those who worked under the leadership of Kgosi Seepapitso and Kgosi Malope II.

Members of Kgosi Seepapitso IV's regiment were awarded gold medals, whereas those who are currently under the leadership of Kgosi Malope II got silver medals. 

Kgosi Telekelo said the gesture  was a testament that the duties of dikgosi were significant and were still relevant in present day society. 

He requested the foundation, to in future, consider honouring those who worked with Kgosi Bathoen II as they had initially planned, noting that although such leaders were no longer alive, they had families who could benefit from the recognition.

When giving an overview, the chairperson of Leading Age Foundation, Mr Percy Moroka said they saw it befitting to recognise bogosi. 

He noted that Leading Age Foundation, believed that bogosi had contributed significantly in moulding the country towards being a peaceful and stable nation, adding that Batswana pride themselves with such noble ideals. 

He expressed concern that the youth were lagging behind and therefore called on them to begin celebrating dikgosi and recognising their existence.

He noted that Leading Age Foundation was a non-profit making, non-partisan association, which focused on providing support for elderly people. 

He said they offered services related to welfare and wellness of senior citizens. 

He said they were also working at partnering with Re A Nyalana programme with the aim of assisting elderly couples. 

Mr Moroka said through the partnership,  they were hoping to register more marriages with the objective of further restoring marriage institution amongst elderly people. 

He thanked Pakistan Association Botswana (PAB) for their commitment in partnering with them to assist the elderly, which they had done over the years. Ends