DIKGOSI URGED TO PRESERVE CULTURESpeaking during the official opening of the Joint Retreat for Office of the President and Ntlo ya Dikgosi, The President, His Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi said the contribution of Dikgosi in Nation building is critical as they are cultural custodians.
His Excellency urged Dikgosi to hold on to cultural values such as consultation, since culture is what sets nations apart. He said that is not just the language that differentiate nations but the attire, the conduct of people and their way of life that builds national identity.
The purpose of the retreat is to enable the attendants to retrace their footsteps back to the pre-independence era and reflect on the critical role that the Bogosi institution has and continues to play in nation building and the development of Botswana.The participants will also exchange views on how the Bogosi institution could be enhanced in the modern era.
For his part, The Chairperson of Ntlo ya Dikgosi Kgosi Puso Gaborone said that as Magosi they understand that things have changed and that they need to work with the Government for nation building to better the Republic.
Kgosi Gaborone also said for Bogosi to perform fully and handle situations and challenges well there is a need for provision of resources, training and capacity building for Dikgosi. He also called for the reformation of Ntlo ya Dikgosi as all these will enable them to take their tribes forward.
In his conclusion, Kgosi Gaborone said their wish as Magosi is to see Bogosi taking part in National building and taking the Republic of Botswana forward.