D’Kar: Living in borrowed land
Govt mulls acquiring the land from Dutch reformed church
Some 35 kilometres east of Gantsi township, lies a tiny village of D’Kar, which amongst other things, is famous for being home to outspoken people as well as a host to the internationally acclaimed, Koru dance festival, a centre attraction for local and international visitors.
The village is in a private farm which belongs to the Dutch Reformed Church ( DRC) and has a population of about 1 668, according to the 2011 census and is easily accessible through the A3 road from Gantsi to Maun. A one kilometer tar road joins the village from the high way, but there is no tarred road in the village.
The inhabitants are predominantly Naro, Herero and Bakgalagadi. The most spoken language is Naro and the dominant religious affiliation is the Reformed Church. D’Kar is the home of the popular Kuru Bushman Museum and Cultural Centre. The museum is focused on the history of the San and includes exhibitions, a craft centre, library and various workshops.
Records show that the
Kuru festival which is one of the fund generating events, forms part of the nation’s calendar of events marking the full moon where most of the San communities find it significant in their culture as they are able to heal the sick through the power they receive from song and dance.
The inclusion of the Kuru dance festival in the national calendar of events is perhaps a clear sign of the country’s commitment to inclusion and diversity as Botswana celebrates her roots. Further, that the annual celebration encourages a cultural interchange amongst the performers and the people, as the festival welcomes other cultural performers from diverse ethnic groups and countries. The Trust’s continued efforts to develop the Basarwa community in Ghanzi, and preserve their culture sustainably, is highlighted by this festival celebrating the San community’s culture.
Recently, during the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Review of the Constitution some of them complained of what they termed disregard of Batswana’s traditions and practices by the country’s naturalised citizens, referring to mostly white farmers of German and South African origin, who own businesses, fertile and productive land. The residents questioned the reluctance of such people to fully integrate into the respective communities in which they stayed. One of them noted with concern how such business people or farmers even shun Kgotla meetings. Others said as Basarwa they also wanted their languages to be recognised.
“We want our mothertongue to be recognised.”
They stated that at the moment they are being forced to speak Setswana and English, something which they find demeaning. The speakers wondered how Botswana could pride itself as a multi- cultural society when the country attached no value to the rest of its people’s languages. Some called for the recognition of all local languages, and said government was hypocritical in its handling of the issue.
They further argued that it was disheartening that foreign languages such as French were being taught in local institutions under the pretext they were crucial to survival in the global village, while local languages were ignored.
In an interview with BG News, Ghanzi District Commissioner, Mooketsi Lesetedi revealed that government is currently on the process to begin negotiation with Dutch Reformed Church on the land acquisition of D’Kar. Lesetedi further said D’Kar houses a Primary school, Kgotla office, RAD’s hostel, health post, and clinic staff houses ( newly built 2020).
The health post is in the process of being upgraded to a clinic with a Maternity wing. There are also a Police station, Social welfare and community Development offices. There is potable running water in all government facilities and stand pipes in the village as well as electricity.
He further said all mobile networks have 4G connections available. D’Kar has one general dealer and five tuck shops.
The village has 132 registered destitute of which 98 are females and 34 males. There are 87 registered orphans of which 47 are female and 40 males, as well as nine registered Community Home Based Care composing of seven females and two males. The main challenges that the D’Kar community faces are land rights, high dropout rate, domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, stock theft and water availability in the village.