MODULE TWO: AFRICAN TRADITIONAL BRELIGION IN BOTSWANA.

TOPIC 1: THE NATURE OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION

EXPLAIN THE CONCEPT OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION

• A way of life of the indigenous people of Africa.

• It is as old as the people.
• It evolved slowly for many centuries as people responded to the situation of their lives and
reflected on their experience, hence, it is realistic.
• It does not have scripture or holy books, it is written in the history, the hearts and experience of
the people that is passed from generation to generation through the word of the mouth.
• Different people have a way of practicing their religion and they are free to hold different views
and beliefs without the danger of being accused of falsehood.
• It has no founder because it is a traditional religion.
• It is made of customs, traditions, norms, values and lifestyles of African people.
• It has religious objects, sacred places, religious officials or leaders, practices ceremonies and
festivals.
• African Religion is part of the African heritage and was not brought in from the outside.
• African religion belongs to the people- a person must be born in a particular African people in
order to be able to follow it in that group.

WAYS IN WHICH AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION EXPRESS ITSELF.

This is a religion in which one is born into and thus it is found in all aspect of life. It is found in rituals,
ceremonies, festivals, music, beliefs, practices, moral values, sacred objects and places.

a) RITUALS:

African likes to celebrate life. They celebrate events in the life of the individual and the community.
Some of these rituals and ceremonies are done on a family basis while others are observed by the whole
community. They have a lot of religious meaning. Through their observation religious ideas are
perpetuated and passed on to the next generation e.g.

-Initiation ceremonies (bogwera and bojale).

-Harvest festival (dikgafela)

-Botsetse that is, mopakwana/ go baya tlhogwana

-Death rituals

-Mantsho a ngwana

-Naming of a child

-Marriage

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-Praying for rain

b) SACRED PALACES AND RELIGIOUS OBJECTS:

Some shrines belong to the family such as those connected with departed members of the family and
their graves. Others belong to the community such as rocks, hills, mountains, under certain trees.

-people respect such places. In such places people make or bring sacrifices and offerings.

-they also make prayers.

-They regard such places as holy and sacred where they meet with God.

-Often there are people who look after religious places of worship, keep them clean, receive people who
come to pray or make sacrifices and protect from desecration and misuse by unauthorized individuals.

Examles of sacred places

-Shrines

-Kgotla

-Caves

-Hills

Examples of religious objects

-Ditaola

-Ditilo

-Nkgwana

-Seditse

-Beads

c) MUSIC AND DANCE.

Africans are highly known for singing and dancing. In singing they are expressing themselves. That which
they cannot express with their mouth they do it through dancing. It is a way of communicating. A lot of
African music and songs deal with religious ideas and practices. Religious rituals, ceremonies and
festivals are always accompanied by music and singing sometimes dancing. Music gives an outlet to the
emotional expression of the religious life. It helps unite the singing and dancing groups. It expresses
fellowship and participation of life. Folk dance is for entertainment and relaxation whereas ritual dances
celebrate important events of life.

d) TABOOS.

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Taboos are prohibitions or restrictions on a particular practice or association with a particular person or
p-lace or a thing. It is aimed at stopping a person from doing certain activities. If one fails to abide or
conform to a taboo there are consequences or results.

e) PROVERBS:

These are wise sayings or statement with wisdom, or advi8ce given to people. They are passed from
generation from generation. They provide a source of African wisdom. Some proverbs are religious,
contain religious beliefs, ideas, morals and warnings. They speak about God, the world, man, human
relations. They are set within the cultural and social environment of the people who have produced
them and use them. They go back several generations since they are easily passed from one perso0n to
the other.

f) RIDDLES:

This is a statement or a question or phrase having a double meaning, put forth as a puzzle to be solved.
Riddles are used for entertainment. They stimulate peoples thinking. Some contain religious ideas.

G) POEMS:

A verbal composition designed to convey experiences, ideas or emotions in a vivid and imaginative way.
The language chosen provides sound and suggestive power and techniques.

TOPIC TWO:

BELIEVES AND PRACTICES IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION IN BOTSWANA.

BELIEVES:

-Believe in a Supreme power Modimo.

-Believe in Ancestors.

-Believe in life after death.

-Believe in healing power of traditional doctors.

-Believe in Taboos.

-Believe in totemism.

-Believe in boswagadi.

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PRACTICES:

-Ancestral veneration.

-Burial customs.

-Death rituals.

-Appeasement of ancestors.

-Rain making.

-Seantlo.

-Polygamy.

-Molaletsa.

-Mafisa.

-Patlo.

THE RELEVANCE OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS BELIEFS IN CONTEMPORARY BOTSWANA.

BELIVE IN LIFE AFTER DEATH:

Belief in life after death is still relevant today as it is an ideal that death is not the end of human life but
the continuation of life in the ancestral world. It also involves the believe that an individual continues to
exist in the spiritual world. This act as a guide to people in their everyday activities as they want to act
morally good so that their souls will go to the ancestral world in case they die.. With this belief, we see
criminal activities and other social ills reduced. People wish to be accepted in the ancestral world and
believe that they will have everlasting life with no diseases, pain and no more suffering.

BELIEVE IN HEALING POWER OF TRADITIONAL DOCTORS:

The belief in the healing power of traditional doctors is still relevant in the modern world as many
people still believe that traditional doctors are able to heal different kinds of illness. Most of the time
when people are suffering from incurable illness they do not give up instead they seek help from
traditional doctors. In this way, diseases which cannot be cured by modern medicines are healed and
lives are saved.

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BELIVE IN WITCHCRAFT:

Batswana believe in witchcraft. They believe witchcraft causes bad luck, illness and death in the society.
When they encounter different challenges or misfortunes, they go straight to the traditional doctors as
they believe they have the power to remove bad luck.

BELIVE IN ANCESTORS:

The belief in ancestors is still relevant in Botswana today as many people believe that their relatives who
have died have special powers and can influence their lives. People believe that they should act in an
acceptable way so that ancestors do not cause harm to them. They behave well as a way of building a
good relationship with them to avoid being punished. They also believe that ancestors will help them
when they are in trouble. As a result, respect each other and do well to others with the hope that the
ancestors will reward them.

BELIVE IN TOTEMISM

People in Botswana still believe that some animals have got a spiritual connection with a certain tribe.
These animals/ plants are not killed, eaten or harmed in anyway and there are some stories which
explain why they should not be killed, harmed or eaten. Batswana believe that if one harms them will
suffer from certain diseases. Some of these animals are kept as totems because they could have saved
or helped that tribe during hard times. This belief has helped as animals are conserved for future
generation.

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EXPLAIN HOW SOME AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS PRACTICES ARE STILL RELEVANT IN
BOTSWANA TODAY.

CIRCUMCISION OF BOYS AND MEN:

Traditionally young boys who participated in the traditional schools called bogwera were circumcised.
This symbolized that they were graduating from childhood to adulthood. The bloodshed by initiates
during the circumcision operation binded them with the land of their forefathers, (their ancestors) and
other members of the society who have already gone through the process.

After being circumcised, young boys identified themselves as a mophato (age regiment) within the
community and were recognized and referred to as adults. They enjoyed full privileges of adults and
shouldered various and social responsibilities in their families and in the entire society.

RELEVANCE IN BOTSWANA TODAY.

It creates cultural social and religious identity for young initiates. It creates unity and cooperation among
initiates since they share secrets, values and are identified as members of a mophato (age regiment). It
cultivates courage, bravery, perseverance, cultural values which enable initiates to protect the weak and
face challenges of life as a collective force.

It influences initiates to be obedient to authority and elders and to treasure their cultural, social and
religious norms and moral values, thus, preserving their culture.

In modern times, it has been proved that circumcision reduces the chances of those who have
undergone it to contract and spread sexual transmitted infections like HIV and AIDS, hence its relevance.

Through the circumcision of boys and young men are prepared for marriage.

PAYMENT OF BOGADI:

This is a religious practice and a value which enables a man who wants to get married to a woman, to
give the family of his future wife some cattle and other items as a token of appreciation for agreeing
that the two can get married. Traditionally, without bogadi payment no marriage was recognized as
legal.

RELEVANCE IN BOTSWANA TODAY.

Payment of bogadi is still relevant in Botswana today because it is a ritual whereby the labour of a
woman and her child capabilities are recognized and transferred in marriage to the family of her
husband.

It also involves the ancestors of both parties to symbolize that they will be part of the marriage and will
guide and help the newly married couple throughout their marriage life.

It is through payment of bogadi that bond of affinity is created between the two groups, a “concrete
cement” for marriage which binds husband and wife together as well as their families.

Payment of bogadi helps in stabilizing marriage because it gives the woman an assurance that she is
being valued by her husband and the in-laws.

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It strengthens the marriage bond between the marrying couple.

Today, in Botswana, children born out of a union where bogadi has not been paid are considered
illegitimate and cannot belong to their father’s family or even adopt his surname. It is only through
bogadi (bride price) that a woman in a marriage contract changes her surname and family status.

ANCESTOR VENERATION:

Batswana just like other Africans view death as an extension of this earthly life to the spirit world. They
perform variety of rituals as a way of remembering and honoring the dead. Some Setswana burial
customs also symbolize their belief in life after death, for example, putting items like clothes or utensils
on top of graves (burying people with some of their belongings). Batlokwa for example bury their dead
in their houses or in their courtyards. This expresses their belief that their dead are part of their families
and the community at large.

RELEVANCE TODAY

Some Batswana believe that the ancestor veneration is still relevant today because their dead can see
them, visit them at night in dreams, guide them and warn them against wrong doing. They in return pray
to God through them for help and remember and honour them in different ways.

Some Batswana still have family and communal shrines where, they pray, pour libation and offer
sacrifices. Some name their children after dead relatives and parents.

Remembering and honouring of the dead is very important today because it can inspire people to
improve the quality of their own lives, in the process creating peace and social harmony in the society.

BOTHO:

Botho means kindness demonstrated when people interact such that they display virtuous characters,
good behavior and earn respect by respecting others.

RELEVANCE IN BOTSWANA TODAY.

Practicing botho is relevant in Botswana today because it helps people to disapprove of ant- social,
disgraceful and criminal behavior, and encourage social justice for all.

Botho encourage cooperation among people, fellowship of mankind, selflessness, compassion,

tolerance, humility, sincerity as well as upholding the spirit of sharing things with others.

It creates peace and harmony in the society as well as cooperation and unity for all, which are needed to
curb today’s social ills like crime, corruption and selfishness.

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ACCOUNT FOR THE UNITY OF ATR IN BOTSWANA.

By unity we mean those things that make us similar or similar beliefs and practices among Batswana
while diversity we mean those things we do, that is to say, the practices that are meant to express the
different beliefs by Batswana.

ATR in Botswana has the following elements which are common in it:

1) THE CONCEPT OF ONE GOD:

All adherents of ATR in Botswana belief in the oneness of God. This God is the creator who made the
universe, the animals and human beings. The adherents recognize and acknowledge him through
prayers and sacrifices.

However, the different adherents of ATR IN Botswana differ in the way they show appreciation and
acknowledgement of the oneness of God. They use different names for the same God. Some groups call
him Mwale, Modimo or Ndzimu. They also use different sacrifices and prayers to the same God. Some
worship in sacred places like mountains, rivers or caves.

2) THE BELIEF IN ANCESTORS:

All ATR adherents in Botswana belief in the existence of the ancestral spirits. These are the spirits of the
dead elderly people in the community. For one to become an ancestor, she/he must have been a person
of impeccable moral standing. The ancestors are regarded as mediators between God and the living.
They often visit the living to either punish or bless them.

However, different ATR groups in Botswana differ in the way they honour and express their relationship
with the ancestors. Some build spirits huts for them, give their names to newly born babies, and
sacrifice to them and offering material objects of food.

3) BOTHO:

It means personhood. It entails showing curtsey and respect for other people. It is about sharing,
hospitality, honesty and humility. All members of the community are to respect one another irrespective
of age. Children are particularly encouraged to respect the elders. Botho is reciprocal gesture. It is one of
the foundations of ATR in Botswana since it promotes peace and harmony among adherents.

However, this noble principle is expressed different ways by members of ATR, Some express it through
mafisa, molaletsa, masori, moshomo.

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 4) SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS:

ATR in Botswana has the following common institutions; family and kgotla. The Extended family is
emphasized. The family is a source of love, support and socialization. It is the family where members
especially children are trained to become responsible members of the society, principles like botho are
emphasized. The kgotla is where the people occasionally discuss important matters of the community.
Kgotla is where disputes, fighting and quarrels are settled and reconciliation and forgiveness
maintained.

However, ATR groups may differ in the way they train their family members. Some groups may use
initiation ceremonies. New developments have led to some groups allowing women to be chiefs e.g.
Kgosi Seboko of Balete.

5) COMMON HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:

Batswana have a common myth on the origin of humanity. They believe that long ago Kgosi Lowe and
his people lived under ground. One day he sent one of his servants Matsieng to go to the earth to find if
its habitable. Chef Lowe and his people came and lived on earth. Matsiengs foot prints are still
preserved as cultural heritage near the village of Rasesa in the Kgatleng district.

6) TOTEMISM:

A system of believe that an animal or plant has got a spiritual connection to a tribe or ethnic group. All
the adherents of ATR IN Botswana have totems. The totem may not be killed, eaten or harmed in any
way.

However, different Batswana groups have different totems. This could be plants, animals or objects.

ACCOUNT FOR DIVERSITY IN BOTSWANA

1) GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION:

People who live in and around areas where there are rivers, in the Western part of Botswana, have
relied more on fish and water Lilly (tswii) as part of their main everyday diet. In some parts of the central
district, mophane worm constitutes a significant part of everyday diet.

2) EXTERNAL CONTACTS:

Batswana groups have interacted with Europeans traders or foreigners from other continents and this
made them to copy some of their practices for example, Batlokwa have been burying the dead in their

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yards for many years and they are still doing it today. Some groups were burying the dead in their yards
and near their yards but because of their contacts with foreigners they have now adopted a system of
burying the dead in the grave yards for example, Bangwato, Bakalaka and other tribes in Botswana.
Another example is that of bogadi. In the past cattle were used for paying bogadi but nowadays we
observe payment of bogadi using money, or the groom building a house, like gaa Magwato. Among
Bakalaka, was in form of cattle, the cattle with horns were symbolic, they symbolized ideal women who
went to initiation school and underwent a benign puberty rite which enhance her womanhood. Those
with no horns symbolized women who did not perform such a ritual. It brought shame to the family.

3) MIGRATION:

Some groups have moved from their area o0f origin to come and settle in Botswana. We have Bakalaka
who originate from Zimbabwe and Baherero who originate from Namibia. The two groups believe in the
concept of of one God but they use different names to refer to the same God. This is because they are
using languages that they have been using from their places of origin. The difference in the use of
language is a result of migration.

4) POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT:

Initially Batswana were governed by the chiefs. The chiefs had both political and religious powers. The
chief had absolute powers over their societies or people. This means that they were responsible for land
allocation, settling of disputes and other matters which affected their communities. So, after
colonization by the British government, the powers of the chiefs were reduced as the country gained its
independence which changed the political system. Batswana started having elections where they voted
for their political leaders which is why today we have the presidents, ministers, members of parliament,
councilors and main chiefs who represent main tribes at Ntlo ya dikgosi. Dikgosi no longer have absolute
powers over their people or tribes because of political development but we still have dikgosi taking care
of their people or morafe but with limited powers.

TOPIC THREE: SACRED OBJECTS AND PLACES.

WHAT IS SACREDNESS?

-Something considered to be holy.

-The holiness is associated with divine power, deity, and supernatural

-It is now given respect.

EXAMPLES:

Shrines, hills such as Domboshaba Hill, Tswapong Hills, Lentswe la baratani, kgotla, ditaola, seditse,
Kolobeng river e.t.c.

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SIGNIFICANCE OF SACRED PLACES IN AFRCAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION IN BOTSWANA.

-People believe that the Supernatural Being dwells/ live there.

-They are places where people meet with God.

-They remind people of the Super natural and people make prayers there.

-The places act as a link between the people and supernatural.

-They help people in handing down their religion from generation to generation.

SIGNIFICANCE OF SACRED OBJECTS IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION IN BOTSWANA.

-Some are believed to have the power to tell the future e.g. ditaola (divine bones).

-they link the ordinary to the supernatural.

-They unify the believers themselves that is giving them a sense of belonging.

-They promote a good health.

-They bring a sense of harmony between the Supreme being and the people.

-Help people in handing down their religion from generation to generation.

-They are outward and material expression of religious ideas and beliefs.

EXAMPLES OF SACRED OBJECTS AND THEIR USE.

DRUMS: A musical instrument used to evoke the sense of supernatural or spirits.

DITAOLA: Consulting ancestors and diagnosing causes of diseases.

SEDITSE: Sprinkling medicine/ purifies/ cleanses/ evoke spirits.

HORN: Used to extract/ remove foreign items from the body (go dupa).

CALABASH: Store medicine and traditional beer.

TRADITIONAL HERBS: Used to heal and perform rituals.

CHARMS: Used for protection against evil forces.

TABOOS ASSOCIATED WITH SACRED PLACES, OBJECTS, PLANTS AND ANIMALS:

Taboos are prohibitions and restrictions. Failing to conform or abide to these taboos one will face
consequences.

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SACRED PLACES

-A woman entering a sacred place without covering their head can defile the sacred place.

-Entering a sacred place without removing shoes can desecrate or defile the sacred place.

-A woman entering a sacred place on her monthly period can desecrate or defile the place.

-Entering a sacred place without having sought permission before visiting such a place you can disappear
for good.

SACRED OBJECTS

-sitting on setilo sa kgosi: it is belived that something bad will happen to you, ‘o tla a gobala’ because
kgosi and his throne are protected before coronation.

Touching ditaola: it is believed that ditaola are divinely protected so they are not supposed to be
touched by anyone, it is believed that if you do something bad will happen to you.

PLANTS

Cutting trees like mokgalo tree, sengaparile is belived to be not good because something bad will
happen to you.

ANIMALS

Killing or eating a totem: can result in something bad happening to you because they are associated with
ancestors of a particular group. Such animals like python, killing it or eating it can bring hail storms.
Animals like lions when killed something bad will happen to you because they are associated with
royalty.

IMPACT OF MODERN DEVELOPMENT ON SACRED PLACES.

We live in a changing society, and this change brings with it some modern developments. These
developments have negative and positive impacts on sacred places. Such developments include things
like mining, infra structures: building of roads schools, hospitals, and scientific research methods e.t.c.

Relocation of sacred places like graves in Botswana and some Shrines in order to pave or give way for
construction of roads, schools, hospitals and dams. Recently, in Bobirwa area some graves were
relocated to another area so that a dam can be extended to the area. This caused a lot of debate and
consultation because some people argued that the sacredness of graves was tempered with. This, they
said has eroded the cosmic power and their religious significance and that the ancestors are likely to
become angry. However, at the end the dam was built and this has helped the local people in giving
them water for various needs.

Using sacred places as camping sites. Camping beneath the Hills and mountains, Shrines is believed to
interrupt with the sacredness of those places, in the process reducing them to be ordinary places.
Modern leisure activities like establishing picnics and camping sites along river valleys and other sacred
places defile those places and make them impure spiritually. People also litter those places. Some
immoral acts are performed in such places such that the spiritual worthiness is [Link] this

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modern leisure activities like picnics bring along revenues, some foreign exchange which can be used for
the development of a country.

Contemporary research methods: The fact that researchers are always found lingering at different
sacred places in Botswana like Tsodilo Hills, Mwali cult Shrines, Domboshaba, Tswapong Hills, Lentswe la
Baratani and many others, gathering information about them, is often taken with a pinch of salt by
traditionalists who believe that its aqn act of abomination. They argue that some sacred places are
surrounded by mystical secrecy such that divulging facts about them will anger the spirits of the
ancestors and Modimo. However these research methods have helped in the conservation of
information about such places.

CONSERVATION STRATEGY:The government of Botswana has put some strategies to make sure that
such places are conserved. Such strategies include hiring people who are going to take care of such
places like weeding them, cutting trees when necessary. Places that have been fenced by the
government include Mgwali cult Shrine and some graves. This helps in attracting tourists to Botswana
hence they bring with them foreign exchange.. However they also defile such places.

TOTEMISM

Is a system of believe that an animal or a plant or part of an animal has got a spiritual connection with a
particular tribe, making that animal not to be killed or harmed or eaten (respected) hence preserved or
conserved.

TOTEM

Is an animal or a plant or part of an animal that is believed to have a spiritual connection with a
particular tribe, making that animal not to be harmed or killed.

THE ROLE OF TOTEMISM IN CONTEMPORARY BOTSWANA

1. Totemism is used to protect and preserve sacredness of animals in the following ways:

-Sacred animals should not be killed since they are respected and protected; as a result they multiply
and beautify the environment (they do not go extinct). However those that have not been identified as
totem to any tribe can be killed and can go extinct which can cause imbalance in the ecosystem.

-Since different animals give different tribes social and religious identity as totems, members of those
tribes are aware that they should not touch those animals to avoid temptation to kill them. However it is
only certain tribes that are going to protect their totems, others may still kill it hence taking away their
social and religious identity.

2. It is also used to protect and preserve sacredness of plants in the following ways;

-Most of the totemic plants should not be touched

-they should not be used for fire wood.

-they should not be cut for a stick that is going to be used to beat a child whose parents use them as
totem.

-These trees are use4d to beautify the environment

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- The taboos associated with these plants enable them to increase in numbers.

3. it is regarded as an emblem, a proof of the family to which one belonged. It is a sign of identity
authenticating (verifying) the group to which one was a family member in the community.

4. It is a mechanism for social unity and social cohesion (solidify). People of the same totem usually
thought themselves united by a bond of kinship forming the single family and relatives of each other
from a mere fact that they had the same totem and hence owed allegiance (loyalty) and certain
obligations to it.

5. Totem has a religious aspect to it since it is viewed as a sacred because it is a symbol of the group
itself, it stand for the value central to the group or the community.

-However, those animals that have not been identified for totemism are not conserved, therefore those
animals can be killed/ trees can be cut all the time.

-Increasing number of conserved animals is counterproductive as it destroys the environment.

-Animals that are not totems can be depleted/ become extinct.

-Some plants or trees may not be moved because they cannot be touched. This can delay or hinder
developments.

TOPIC 4

THE TEACHINGS OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION IN BOTSWANA.

TEACHING ON THE ORIGIN OF LIFE

There are many myth or mystical stories trying to explain the origin of life e.g. Matsieng story and there
is an element of the creator in these stories. Modimo is seen as the source of life and a very active in the
life of Batswana as the only creator, originator and cause of all things, he alone is the creator, maker and
founder hence titles such as Mo5hei, Modibi are applied to God in his capacity as the giver, maker,
founder and creator.

TEACHING ON THE PURPOSE OF LIFE

-The creator gave men stewardship role that is, men is to take care of nature.

-Procreation that is, to reproduce or continue life through marriage.

- Have control over what has been created that is, to use and not to misuse.

-To magnify the greatness of the creative4 force.

-Men were given a role to have a relationship with Modimo, the universe and fellow human beings.

-To live life to the full (whole) and this can be achieved when there is co-relation.

TEACHIN ON THE MEANING OF LIFE

-Life is sacred (holy) therefore its need protection. Life is precious and it needs to be protected.

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-Life is a gift from the creative force.

THE ROLE AND PLACE OF HUMAN BEINGS IN THE COSMOS

-Taking care of the environment or nature (stewardship)- This is shown through taboos, totem e.t.c.

-Procreation/continue creation/ co-create with God-shown through marriage.

-Man is at the centre of the universe. He plays a pivotal role.

-Human beings are above all other forms of life.

-Putting things in order.

THE ROLES OF MEN AND WOMEN IN THE TEACHINGS OF ATR.

The roles of men and women are clearly distinguished. It had to do with physical wellbeing e.g. men
stronger than women so given heavier tasks. Men are masculine and w omen feminine.

ROLES OF MEN.

Men is the Head of the family and the headship is not shared.

Men make final decision, hence ‘gadi etelwe pele kee namagadi’.

Men are the provider and protector.

Men had unlimited power in the family e.g. he may decide to punish, divorce or bring another women.

ROLES OF WOMEN.

-Women have strong influence in the home e.g. teaching children chores.

-Women take instructions from the husband.

-Domestic roles e.g. cooking, washing clothes, sweeping the yard e.t.c.

IMPACTS OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS ON MEN AND WOMEN RELATIONSHIP IN

MODERN BOTSWANA.

SOCIAL LIFE.

Modern Botswana did not just develop from a vacuum, some trends still exist from the past that is,
Botswana is still rooted in the patriarchal nature where men dominate. Women are still inferior to men,
they cannot take decisions in almost all the spheres of life. This is encouraged by teachings such as
‘monna gaa botswe koa tswang teng’, ‘monna selepe oa faapanelwa’. Such teachings have encouraged
crime like domestic violence and passion killings.

POLITICAL LIFE.

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Some positions like cabinet or Member of Parliament are meant for men. Women seem to have
accepted that these positions are for men only and even believe that they cannot make it in political
setup. Women tend to accept that the political setup is meant for men and that their place is at home.
This has affected the state of independence in such a way that most of them have and still depend on
men in everything, some even fear to challenge men in such positions. In modern Botswana research
has shown that women form a majority in our voters roll, but in case where a woman and a men are
aspiring for a position or contesting for a position, women prefer to vote and support men hence this
shows a believe by women that they trust the authority of men than that of women. This is an indication
that they are influenced by such teachings.

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MORAL TEACHINGS OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION IN BOTSWANA.

Morality is found in:

a) PROVERBS (WISE SAYING)

There are many proverbs in ATR that promote morality, such proverbs include; moremogolo go betwa
wa taola, wa motho wa ipetla (mould your behavior), phokoje go tshela yoo dithetsenyana, se are go
tlogelwa tsatsing…..

b) TABOOS

Restrictions or prohibitions in relations to all areas of life e.g. one cannot marry his sister that is, incest is
forbidden.

C) IDOMS

This is an idea that seems to be senseless but having a meaning. Idioms offer advice and transfer some
underlined ideas, principles, values and culture e.g. go loma tsebe.

D) SONGS AND DANCE

Singing is very important in African tradition because the melody and rhythm is transferred by the word
of mouth. It is a way of expression or communicating. Songs are sung during marriage, birth, hunting or
even during political activities. Singing can be used to ward off evil spirits, to pay respect to the
ancestors. Traditional songs are passed from generation to generations e.g Ratsie Sethako song ‘a re
chencheng’ and ‘Tinto’.

E) FOLK TALES

These are stories that warn, advice and guide on how to lead your life in relation to the societal
expectations e.g. the story of Chuwele, Sananapo.

F) BOTHO

It means personhood. It means a person who is moral upright. There is no life outside Botho. It
incorporates all aspect of life, be it cooperation, respect, hospitality, kindness, sharing.

IMPORTANCE AND EFFECTS OF BOTHO TO BOTSWANA SOCIETY.

IMPOTRANCE

-Without botho, one is not considered to be human being and in Botswana botho is now considered to
be a national principle.

-Botho is about how one live with other people, hence, the notion “I’m because we are”

-Botho talks about a well rounded person that is holistic human being one who can fit well in the
society.

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-Botho emphasize on the positive qualities: kindness, empathy, benevolence, respect, discipline, unity,
cooperation, hospitality e.t.c.

- Botho stresses that you cannot be truly human without other people (motho ke motho ka batho).

-Botho means readiness to be there for others, caring for other people (readiness to share, politeness,
honesty and interdependence)

-Botho is a distinctly a rich African concept which encourages the spirit of ‘UBUNTU’ that is, the spirit of
brotherhood and sisterhood.

EFFECTS OF BOTHO.

POSITIVE EFFECTS

-Botho means helping those in need e.g. feeding those who are hungry, taking care of the orphans

-Botho also encourage and shows communal spirit through practices such as molaletsa, mafisa, majako,
letsema [Link].

-Botho bring people together that is it unites us and make us tolerant of each other.

-Botho makes and encourages people to leave harmoniously, peacefully.

-Botho reduces crime through its virtues like respect, compassion, e.t.c.

-Botho helps curb or stop generational relationships.

-Botho can help reduce social ills such as prostitution, rape, adultery as people are able to be
empathetic, appreciate and respect one another.

-Botho helps in the reduction of poverty that is by ploughing for the chief first and when hunger strikes
people can be given food from the chief’s field.

-Botho helps in enhancing good relationship amongst the people; peace, tranquility, love and happiness
will exist in the society.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS.

-Botho can promote the culture of laziness and dependency syndrome where on sit and do nothing
knowing that their need will be met.

-Botho compromises security as people take advantage ofv the hospitality e.g bopelonomi bo bolaile
mmamasiloanoka.

-Abuse, exploitation can happen.

-Botho can cause exploitation and people might take advantage of someone’s kindness.

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