22 Sep 2026

From From attire to the aroma of traditional dishes and the rhythmic beat of drums and dance, all these bore testament to a cultural event held at Donga Customary Court on Friday, where the community converged for a vibrant celebration of heritage.

Addressing traditional leaders and cultural groups from in and around Francistown, Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, called on Batswana to return to their roots to revive the institutions that preserved their heritage.

Motshegwa said institutions like Bogosi formed the bedrock of the nation.“It is against this backdrop that government recognises the role of traditional institutionsas partners in developing the country. Dikgosi started this country before the formation of political organisations,” he said.

He noted that the Bogosi and Customary Courts Act was undergoing review to protect the institution, particularly in light of succession disputes within royal houses as well as strengthen the social role of traditional leaders so they can resume their mandate of looking after their people. To combat moral degeneration among the youth, the minister said government had directed traditional leaders to revive initiation schools. 

Furthermore, he said government was considering routing all inheritance cases through Dikgosi, arguing that traditional leaders possessed better understanding of family histories than modern courts like the High Court.

Motshegwa urged Batswana to document their history and culture to safeguard their identity for future generations. 

As Botswana marks 60 years of independence, he added, citizens should introspect, honour the nation’s founders and take charge of its future development.

“No one from any other country will come and build this country apart from Batswana themselves,” he said.

Donga Customary Court president, Kgosi Thomas Mpenya, observed that urban dwellers often abandoned their cultural practices during major life events like funerals and weddings, eroding traditions that had defined Botswana for decades.

Kgosi Mpenya challenged Francistown leadership to designate a central area near the town centre for cultural activities to boost cultural tourism in the city, citing eSwatini as a successful model. 

He also emphasised that human rights and culture must coexist and warned against the misconception that Christianity was incompatible with traditional practices.

Kgosi Maruje III of Masunga noted that while modernisation and globalisation had overshadowed chieftainship, Bogosi remained the ultimate custodian of culture and served a vital advisory role to government on traditional matters.

Kgosi Maruje expressed concern over the erosion of cultural values and the spirit of civic pride, especially among the youth and thus called on Francistown leadership to revive traditional regiments (mophato) to help curb illegal activities, such as illicit gold mining in the area. 

Beyond the cultural exhibitions, the event provided a networking platform for local businesses and government departments to showcase their products and services to the community.  ENDS