01 Sep 2025

The Bakhurutshe of Tonota on August 31 gathered at the main kgotla to joyfully celebrate harvest day.

Spearheaded by mohumagadi Koontse Radipitse, a tradition that has been passed down through generations, was warmly received by the community of Tonota as they duly presented their harvest to Kgosi Bokamoso Radipitse.

A total of 38 bags of maize and 38 bags of sorghum, marotse and delele were presented to Kgosi Radipitse and will be stored in the refurbished silos at Maboledi ward, adjacent to the main Kgotla.

The residents also contributed three beasts, three goats and two sheep for the feast that was part of celebrating thobo. From the P50 contributions by individual residents, over P31 000 was raised to fund the event.

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Radipitse said celebrating harvest day was not a new thing, as it was done by their forefathers in previous years.

He noted the celebration was a symbol of unity, wisdom, happiness, and compassion, as the Bakhurutshe understood that it was not everyone who lived a good life.

Kgosi Radipitse emphasised the importance of sharing, saying that, “the hand that gives is the one that receives abundantly.”

He said the received share of the harvest would be put to good use by helping those in need.

Kgosi Radipitse thanked the Bakhurutshe for having trust in him to take care of their produce.

The Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa commended the Bakhurutshe of Tonota for preserving their culture and traditional practices.

He emphasised the importance of preserving traditional seeds, saying they were good for one’s health and could be replanted, unlike hybrid seeds.

He also commended Kgosi Radipitse and his people for preserving culture, noting that Dikgosi played a crucial role in traditional affairs.

Motshegwa said government was reviewing the Bogosi Act to empower Dikgosi to diligently look after their people and spearhead initiatives such as initiation schools of Bogwera and Bojale.

He also urged traditional leaders to be at the forefront of forming community trusts that benefited the community, promote rural industrialisation and reduce rural-urban migration.

The minister also emphasised the importance of agriculture, saying it was the backbone of the rural community and a key sector for food security and reliance.

He noted that the new administration was committed to supporting the agricultural sector as an engine of economic growth.

Finally, Motshegwa encouraged each tribe to document its history, saying that those who did not have their history written may lose it forever.

He also noted that the institution of traditional affairs faced challenges, including disputes over traditional seats and who should inherit the throne. ENDS