GOOD WITCHCRAFT Thobega’s coronation
Kgosi Mosielele condemns references to traditional customs and rituals as boloi Calls for unity of tribes at Kgosi
Kgosi Kebinatshwene Mosielele of Bahurutshe says that it is important for Batswana to appreciate, respect and uphold their traditional culture, customs and rituals, and also stop referring to them as witchcraft
(boloi).
He was speaking at the coronation of Bahurutshe boo Mochibidu chief Kgosi Solofelang Lawrence Thobega in Mankgodi this past Saturday. Thobega was coronated by Kgosikgolo Kgari Sechele of Bakwena.
Kgosi Mosielele said that in modern days, social and cultural dynamics have changed so much that many Batswana are now detached from their own culture and even shun it.
He said that intangible cultural norms are integral to human existence, embedded in the mind and spirit but they give substance to human experience.
“Many Batswana are educated on culture and know some ‘secrets’ of our people that enhance the quality of one’s life. It is unfortunate that nowadays our cultural practices are shunned and referred to as boloi.
“But ours is ‘good witchcraft’ and we should be proud of it as it brings healing and protection.
Boloi jwa rona ke boloi bo bontle, bo bo hodisang (Our ‘witchcraft’ is good ‘witchcraft’ that heals),” he said.
He added that there are many healing practices that locals are good at such as go sidila phogwana, go sidila moimana, go hodisa mpa and go dira thobega, among many others.
“We also need to document these customs and practices because they are quite unique and valuable. It is also important to document our history for interest and educational purposes, and to pass it to future generations to sustain it.”
He cited the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, which Botswana is party to, that encourages the preservation and practice of intangible cultural heritage as part of knowledge and skills integral to development.
Kgosi Mosielele said that it is important to remember that “we are indigenous Africans and our ancestors paved the way for our existence and our forefathers worked hard and made sacrifices for us to be part of the civilised social and economic existence we enjoy now.”
He said that it is important for Batswana to stay true to their roots and not allow imperialism and modernity to pollute Botswana culture and identity.
“Despite leading modern lifestyles, we still need to respect and uphold traditional Setswana cultural practices, keeping in mind that they can exist concurrently with modernity and other beliefs
and faiths.
“Other nations are proud of their culture, history and heritage, and they continue to preserve them even in the 21st century and it gives them depth, substance and value,” he said.
Kgosi Mosielele however, noted that there are a few differences in beliefs and customs
He thanked the Bangwaketse, Bangwato, Balete and Bakwena, among others, who he referred to as close allies and relations of the prominent tribe, for welcoming Bahurutshe with open arms, as the last tribe to arrive in Botswana in the 1800s, fearing the attack of Boers on indigenous African tribes in South Africa.
Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, also Member of Parliament for Gabane-Mankgodi, Kagiso Mmusi, expressed gratitude to the current political regime for maintaining a legacy of supporting and upholding chieftaincy throughout the years and respecting the traditional culture of Batswana, which forms an integral part of the nation’s social construct and fibre.
“The role of political and traditional leaders is essential in social cohesion and dikgosi in particular play a critical role in upholding culture, protecting our heritage and maintaining peace and unity in our land,” Minister Mmusi said.