23 Jul 2023

Thamaga residents, including the village leadership, have welcomed the mindset change initiative with open hands after the campaign was launched by the President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi at Zutshwa last Thursday

Residents have vowed to rally behind the President’s vision and adopt the mindset change initiative in their everyday lives in order to realise the country’s transformational agenda of Vision 2036.

However, most residents were of the view that in order to achieve the initiative, change had to start within an individual first and foremost.

Kgosi Segale Gobuamang emphasised the need for Batswana to change their attitude and mindset and inculcate the culture of working hard just like “our forefathers did.”

He said from way back, Batswana were self-reliant and worked hard hence they used to till the soil and farmed the land and built the modern day Botswana through their blood, sweat and tears.

However, he said, the younger generation had failed to be torch bearers to continue the legacy left by their forefathers.

However, the majority of the people stated that copying foreign cultures such as same sex marriages, over indulgence in alcohol and drugs, gender based violence, the culture of laziness and lack of respect were some of the things, among others, that the nation ought to do away with in order to realise the aspirations and goals of the nation.

Mr Jeffery Ramotho, a resident, said it was high time children were not denied basic rights such as playing by their parents.

He said it was the responsibility of parents to make sure children exercised their rights fully in order for them to grow up as well rounded human beings.

As for the youth, he said they should change their behaviour and stop over indulging in the pleasures of this world and instead channel their energies to positive things that could build them in order to achieve the desired results brought about by the mind-set change narrative.

For parents, Mr Ramotho said  parents too should stop play the blame game and instead offer guidance and support to their children.

Furthermore,  he challenged the status quo in the government systems arguing that for things to change, the entire governance system ought to change and that should start with an individual.

Thamaga East Ward councillor, Mr Pulane Piet also emphasised the need for behavioural change and called on for everyone to take responsibility of their actions.

Like other speakers, he condemned same sex marriages and gender based violence, saying they dented the country’s image.

Further, he encouraged the community to take its rightful place and be a supportive structure to local governance issues and play a supportive role to law enforcement agencies such as the police.

Ms Lorato Thakadu said there were good things that Batswana were known for that ought not to change.

One of those she said was that Botswana was generally known as a peace loving nation and that on its own was something unique that should continue.

She also mentioned that Batswana were also known as respectful and humble people and that should also endure.

“Batswana ke batho ba boi,”she said emphasising that Batswana  were  calm and subservient by nature.

Again, she said the rich culture in the country should continue to be observed as ‘it is the only thing that makes us unique and humble.’

She added that adopting cultural beliefs should also move with current times. ENDS