Lekopanye Mooketsi
20 August 2007
Gaborone — Saturday was an historic day for Batlokwa as their youthful chief, Puso Gaborone was draped in a leopard skin to mark his coronation. Hundreds of people including President Festus Mogae and former president Sir Ketumile Masire attended the colourful ceremony at the Tlokweng Kgotla.
Batlokwa chiefs from South Africa and Lesotho also graced the occasion. Puso took over from his father Moshibidu Gaborone who died in 2005. Various speakers at the ceremony spoke of the need to preserve culture and retain chieftainship in Botswana.
One of the tribesmen, Kgosintwa Gaborone, took Batlokwa through their history. He recalled that Batlokwa settled in Pretoria, South Africa, but later on during two wars, migrated to present day Lesotho. But they had to move again after fighting with the Basotho before settling in Botswana. A member of the royal family, Gaborone also retraced the Batlokwa chieftainship family tree.
Meanwhile, words of wisdom came from Chief Mokalake Motsatsi of Batlokwa of South Africa. Motsatsi told Gaborone that as a chief, he would be dealing with all sorts of characters, adding that he should treat everyone equitably.
Motsatsi warned Gaborone against being a prima donna, adding that he should never allow power to go to his head. He said some chiefs became so power-hungry that they would even undermine the government of the day. Motsatsi also cautioned Gaborone against taking bribes, adding that as a chief, he was speaking from experience. He said Gaborone should also abide by the country's constitution. He warned him the young chief against the "vices of wine, women and song". He said if the chief conducted himself well, he would be able to respect his people. He advised Gaborone to work with his uncles and other chiefs.
To the tribe, the South African chief urged the people not to mislead their chief, and more importantly not to bewitch him. "Lo seka la molowa." For his part, Ntlo ya Dikgosi chairman Kgosi Seepapitso VI of Bangwaketsi remarked jokingly about the young chief's good looks. But on a serious note, he advised Gaborone not to discriminate against his subjects. He warned the Batlokwa chief to lead by example.
Seepapitso told Batlokwa to support their chief, stressing that without chieftainship the country would not get anywhere. On the land issue, he said contrary to popular belief, their forefathers did not sell the land. So he appealed to Batswana to stop selling land. He warned that land would never increase. Seepapitso said Gaborone should plead with the government to reserve land for Batlokwa in their area.
Another member of Ntlo ya Dikgosi, Kgosi Mosadi Seboko of Balete, said both Ramotswa and Tlokweng were facing the same challenges. She said people from other parts of the country migrating to their villages do not recognise local chiefs. She said some of them only approach the chiefs when they encounter problems. Seboko said as a young man Gaborone would be in a better position to deal with problems facing the youth. She said as a leader, Gaborone would also be expected to tackle the challenges facing society like crime, poverty and HIV/AIDS.
In his first address, Kgosi Gaborone appealed to Batlokwa to guide him whenever he goes astray. "I am going to take your advices. I need your support and cooperation. I am appealing for unity," said the chief. He said if his tribe cooperates with him, they would be able to overcome any challenges. He added that he would like to see developments in his village. Gaborone said his intention is to preserve the Batlokwa culture. Pule's uncle, Michael Gaborone, who draped him with the leopard skin, advised him not to neglect his tribe, adding that he must treat his subjects equally.
Michael (Gaborone) said as kgosi he (Puso) should listen to his tribe and heed government advice. Michael, who is the deputy paramount chief, assured Gaborone of his unflinching support. Gaborone (Puso) was also presented with a spear and a shield. His tribe bought him a brand new top of the range Mazda 6 sedan. Representing the government, Assistant Minister of Local Government Ambrose Masalila said chieftainship is covered by the constitution. He said chiefs play an important role in the development of the country. Masalila said other countries have been sending delegates to Botswana to learn how the country has developed the chieftainship.
He said Ntlo ya Dikgosi had been expanded to move with the times. He indicated that Ntlo ya Dikgosi used to have 15 members but that had since been increased to 35, a sign that "government recognises the importance of developing chieftainship in this country".
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