06 Aug 2025

Men in Tonota have been encouraged to play a role in shaping the community in which they live.

Speaking at the village’ second bonfire event held on Wednesday evening, Kgosi Bokamoso Radipitse of Tonota said in addition to helping address social issues affecting them, particularly gender-based violence (GBV), rape and related ills, men could also help restore discipline and community values.

Kgosi Radipitse emphasised the importance of preserving the Bakhurutshe culture, warning that it was slowly eroding due to modern influences.

He thus urged men to document the village’s history and traditions, calling for a return to cultural roots to rebuild a sense of identity and pride.

Regarding societal challenges, he highlighted the central role men play in both causing and resolving the issues, and called for the formation of traditional regiments to instil responsibility in boys and promote discipline among men.

Village elder,  Mr Ewetse Mathaba raised concerns about Botswana’s alarming GBV statistics, stating that men must take accountability.

He also noted the growing problem of youth drug abuse, which he said burdened both the village leadership and law enforcement agencies.

Regarding cultural and social concerns, the meeting also touched on funeral practices.

It was observed that Bakhurutshe burials often run the entire day, unlike other northern tribes where services conclude before 8AM.

Community members therefore agreed on the need to better manage the burial processes and ensure they did not proceed beyond early morning. 

Kgosi Selaeng Ramakele of Maboledi ward raised concern over vandalism at cemeteries, particularly in the Manyanda Ward graveyard, where he alleged that tombstones had been damaged.

Attendees proposed that men contribute financially towards maintaining and securing graveyards.

The issue of bogadi also came under discussion and many participants agreed that there should be a standard limit, suggesting it should not exceed eight cattle to prevent exploitation and ensure cultural consistency within the Bakhurutshe tribe.

Regarding health issues, Dr Kabelo Seemise from Tonota Clinic addressed men’s health, highlighting erectile dysfunction as a rising issue linked to heavy smoking and poor diet.

He explained that tar from cigarettes blocks blood vessels and contributes to conditions like heart failure.

Dr Seemise encouraged men to stop smoking, exercise regularly and to attend health check-ups.

Tonota station commander, Superintendent Moore Motsokono reported a disturbing rise in defilement cases, with adult men often being the perpetrators.

Tonota District Commissioner Mr Keabetswe Lesiela informed the gathering of the country’s current financial crisis and urged the community to propose actionable ideas for economic revival through the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme. ENDS