Bongaka jwa Setso recommended for recognition
Despite the fact that western ways have largely taken over our societies, it appears Batswana still believe that some of their traditional wisdom remains useful to modern society. This came to the fore in the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Review of the Constitution of Botswana report.
Following its countrywide consultations, the Commission made several recommendations, among them that legislation should be enacted to protect, regulate and promote indigenous knowledge, including Bongaka jwa Setso. Most people in Botswana consider themselves followers of traditional religions as such Bongaka jwa Setso has always been part of the lives of Batswana.
According to the Commission, submissions were made that indigenous knowledge and Bongaka jwa Setso (traditional healing) must be recognised and protected at the level of the Constitution. The Commission highlighted that views were expressed that despite the presence of western medicine, many people still rely on traditional medicine for various needs “The Commission supports the submissions and notes that Bongaka jwa Setso is regulated through Societies Act 2022.
Furthermore, there are laws that protect indigenous knowledge and patenting of associated products,” read the Commission’s report. It was submitted that prior to the arrival of the western medicines into Botswana, Bongaka jwa Setso provided primary health care. According to the Commission, Batswana suggested that traditional healers have the expertise to cure, even life threatening or chronic diseases including cancer. Examples were given, among them that treatments such as Thobega were administered in hospitals at some western countries.
“Proponents advocated for a chapter on traditional science and establishment of a Ministry of Traditional Affairs under which Dingaka tsa Setso will be regulated. It was suggested that a new law/act should be enacted to recognise and protect Bongaka jwa Setso,” the Commission found. It was indicated that criminals use Bongaka jwa Setso to cheat unsuspecting clients and endanger lives of Btaswana.
Therefore, a law on Bongaka jwa Setso will regulate the practice and, among others, ensure that protocols are established, to prevent illegal sales of traditional medicines and establish measures to punish offenders from practicing without licenses. Batswana are said to believe that the law will in addition allow dingaka to freely cure people and work in collaboration with the health sector to optimise provision of health care to the people. It was also highlighted that bongaka uses some animal organs/oils and without these organs, bongaka is effective. The view was that dingaka should be supported in accessing animal parts/oils with ease. Another proposal was also made to criminalise witchcraft.
It was argued that Dingaka tsa Setso/traditional healers who were also recognised had the potential to prove bewitchment where it has occurred. Such proof should therefore be used as the basis for prosecuting witches/ wizards. It would seem like the use of Bongaka jwa Setso was slowly losing its place in the modern society, with Batswana opting for western ways to find solutions to their problems.
This in most cases created disharmony in the community, as believers and non-believers clash over its relevance. While others believe that dingaka are diviners who are Able to use spiritual forces to determine the causes of illness or other problems and have acquired knowledge of herbs that can be used for both good and evil purposes, there are some who believe they are evil and can be involved in cases of ritual murders.