06 Sep 2021

Culture is by nature dynamic in response to influences of modernisation and globalisation.

As development accelerates, the nation finds itself in a delicate position of having to strike a balance between maintaining its cultural system and adopting modernity.

Latest to spark a debate among members of the public are claims by some women that they were denied an opportunity to take their COVID-19 jab at one kgotla vaccination centre because they were putting on trousers. 

Traditionally, women wearing trousers or very short dresses are barred from entering the kgotla, a cultural practice that remains entrenched and respected to this day. 

However, some are of the opinion that the practice is not only outdated but discriminatory and therefore needed to be reviewed.  

They argue that regarding the incident in question, the women were at there for a different purpose and not for attending a kgotla meeting hence therefore the dress code should not have applied.

They point out that Botswana is party to a number of international and regional human rights treaties which advocates for the rights of women.

To interrogate the issue further, a BOPA team interviewed local traditional leaders and civil rights groups.

Batlokwa deputy chief Kgosi Michael Gaborone said the Tlokweng leadership would not discriminate against anyone in the name of culture.“We respect our women. If they go to the kgotla wearing trousers they must be assisted and be cautioned to respect Setswana culture,” he said.

He said when Batlokwa tribal leadership  agreed to avail the kgotla as a COVID-19 vaccination site, it was with the full knowledge that it was a public place.  

Kgosi Gaborone also clarified reports that the incident happened first at Tlokweng main kgotla. 

The truth was that it took place at one of the village’s customary courts with the victim being daughter of the headman who made that decision, he said

Expressing her views, Kgosi Mosadi Seboko of Balete stressed the importance of respecting  one’s culture and safeguarding it against any form of sabotage. 

However, people should not be denied services but rather be cautioned to do what was required, she said. 

Kgosi Mosadi said where the need arose, traditional leadership must identify areas of culture needing to be changed in order to be at par with the current lifestyle. 

Nonetheless, she said any decision should be done collectively through consultation which would ultimately inform the formulation of regulations to direct communities.

Mmopane headman of record, Mr Babedi Manthe was adamant that people seeking assistance at the kgotla must abide by its rules. 

Despite his willingness to  accommodate change, Mr Manthe said cultural practices were still important as they gave light to the current generation and shaped the country’s ideals. 

He was of the view that there was a need for the cultural practice to be interrogated.Mr Manthe noted that in a democratic setup, issues of public concern were brought to the table and the majority voice would carry the day. 

Mr Arnold Somolekae of Gaborone West kgotla said Batswana had adopted the western culture which okayed the wearing of trousers by women. 

Women must therefore be given the freedom to choose their wardrobe depending on how they felt and what they were comfortable with. 

For his part, Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe said identification of the kgotla as a COVID-19 vaccination site did not open the door for violation of  its rules and regulations. 

He said the move did not in any way change the beliefs of the people. 

“Kgotla is for Batswana and they know what is expected of them,” said Mr Lelatisitswe. He said there was nothing wrong with sending someone home to dress appropriately, as long as the decision was based on how things were done at that kgotla. 

Mr Lelatisitswe, therefore, encouraged the public to take pride in their culture and safeguard it. 

Botswana Council of Churches general secretary Reverend Gabriel Tsuaneng said the church supported measures put in place to preserve human life.

“If at all the incident took place, it should have been in the interest of the authorities at that kgotla and health workers to administer what was pertinent,” said Reverend Tsuaneng. 

Emang Basadi Advisory Committee representative, Ms Ntombi Setshwaelo said under the current situation where the COVID-19 pandemic was claiming lives at an alarming rate, every leader should exercise  the wisdom of  King Solomon when making decisions.

Saying decision-making should be done with an element of maturity and integrity,  she likened denying someone a chance to take the vaccine to refusing a person access to a doctor. ENDS