Locals that live in each ward (similar to a development or neighborhood in the U.S.) will listen to what other members of the ward have to say, usually on a topic or issue affecting the community. The kgotla meeting this week was about crime prevention due to the amount of break-ins that have been happening in my ward.
Women are expected to wear a dress that is ankle- or knee-length, a head scarf or hat and a shawl or jacket to cover their shoulders (sleeves on a dress are not sufficient). Men are expected to stand while addressing the kgotla, while women are expected to sit when addressing the kgotla.
At kgotla meetings, you address the elders, who are usually men who sit facing the kgotla attendees. The kgotla meeting is run by a chief, who sits at a table facing the kgotla attendees as well. It is expected that you show respect by greeting them before you address the kgotla with your point by saying, “dumelang”. The kgotla meeting was conducted all in their native language of Setswana. Luckily, I had a local translating for me, so I could easily understand what everyone was saying during the meeting.
I read short stories by Botswanan authors, specifically “Smile of Fortune”, by Gaele Sobott-Mogwe and “The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses”, by Bessie Head, both authors from Botswana. Bessie Head is actually from the village I am in, Serowe!
