He described Maisantwa as a highly prominent and sacred name among the Bangwaketse, urging the young men to guard and uphold it with pride and responsibility.

Kgosi Malope II thanked the Mophato organising committee and all stakeholders for the successful initiation and induction of the new regiment.

Bangwaketse Deputy Paramount Chief, Kgosi Kebapetse Telekelo, said the initiates had been equipped with essential life skills and received thorough education on the dangers of social ills, particularly gender-based violence, alcohol and drug abuse.

“We expect these young men to become exemplary citizens who will positively influence their peers and steer clear of wayward behaviour,” Kgosi Telekelo said.

Maisantwa III deputy chairperson, Mr Larona Bome, expressed gratitude for the transformative experience. 

“We have gained invaluable insights on how to become better men in society. The teachings on life skills and the fight against GBV and substance abuse have truly empowered us,” he said.

The ceremony also provided a platform for a national appeal on agriculture and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)control. Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, urged Bangwaketse regiments, particularly the newly inducted Maisantwa III, to volunteer in constructing a critical 37-kilometre fence along the Tswane-Sekhutlane cutline in the FMD containment zone.

Dr Dikoloti stressed the urgency of completing the fence to strengthen biosecurity measures. He called on the regiment to prioritise the fight against FMD and to use social media effectively in combating misinformation about the disease.

The Minister reminded farmers and citizens of their shared responsibility to restrict cattle movement along the fence line, noting that every individual has a role to play in preventing further spread of the disease.

The event beautifully blended cultural preservation with national development priorities, highlighting the continued relevance of traditional regiments in both safeguarding Bangwaketse heritage and addressing contemporary challenges facing the nation. ENDS