29 Jul 2019

 The Chairperson of Ntlo ya Dikgosi, Kgosi Puso Gaborone says bogosi should be respected as the institution ensures social cohesion.

Officially opening the newly built kgotla shelter in Themashanga recently, Kgosi Puso observed that Botswana was built on strong foundation laid by Dikgosi.

He said the kgotla system brought people together in that it was a place where developments were discussed, disputes resolved and celebrations held.

This, he said was an indication that people gathered at the kgotla under different circumstances.

Kgosi Puso therefore applauded Themashanga for building a kgotla shelter, saying by doing so, they had added another landmark that would contribute to the beauty of their village.

The Batlokwa royal called on the Themashanga community to celebrate the development by honouring Kgotla meetings whenever they are summoned by their Kgosi.

He said by building the shelter they had raised the dignity of their village hence called on them to take care of it.

Kgosi Puso highlighted that Dikgosi had been serving Batswana time immemorial even before they were remunerated.

He said in the modern day Botswana, dikgotla had been developed with offices and staff compared to the past where some meetings were held under trees.

Kgosi Puso encouraged residents to be proud of where they come from.“Be proud of your village because it gives you a sense of belonging, let us love ourselves as Batswana as this will help us build a proud nation,” he said.

He said the theme of the event: Let’s Work Together to Develop the Village, Home is Amazing, was fitting because some people had neglected their villages hence needed to be reminded that villages also matter.

The  Ntlo Ya Dikgosi  chairperson further encouraged residents to consider expanding their Kgotla in future and incorporate cultural aspects by building traditional huts and paving the yard.

He further commended the contractor for completing the shelter on time, stating that in many cases poor management  of projects resulted in cost over-runs.Kgosi Mabalane Thaba of Themashanga commended residents for a wonderful job, noting that the shelter was a masterpiece of a modern day kgotla shelter that could only be spotted in few villages only.

He said the new shelter would protect them from harsh weather conditions as it was bigger than the old one and could accommodate many people.

Kgosi Thaba stated that a kgotla was the face of the village in that when visitors arrived the first thing they looked for was a kgotla hence it was important to enhance it.“This beautiful Kgotla can never be taken away from us, it is part of our history and we should embrace it and enjoy gathering under this new shelter.”

He thanked government for introducing the constituency funds which he said had assisted many villages to undertake projects to develop their villages including the shelter that was made possible by constituency funds.

Councillor Kudzani Tobokwani of Themashanga highlighted that the shelter was constructed at a total cost of P750 000. Ends