MEC for social development in Free state attends launch of Banna Kgotla and BoMmaSetjhaba

Yesterday, on 28 March 2023, MEC for Social Development in the Free State Province attended the launch of Banna Kgotla (Men’s Forum) and the reconstitution of BoMmaSetjhaba (Women’s Forum) hosted by the Free State Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, held at Basotho Cultural Village, Qwaqwa.

At the core of forming Banna Kgotla and the reconstitution of BoMmaSetjhaba is the need to build communities and to bring back the societal values that were based on principles that a man and woman belong to the community and not their families alone.

Mofumahadi Clara Ramaili, who is responsible for the Social Development Committee of the House of Traditional Leaders and Khoi-San, presented the purpose of the day. She explained that Banna Kgotla will create a platform for men to deal with the anger in men and abuse experienced by men as well as other issues affecting them that they are not comfortable discussing.

BoMmaSetjhaba is an existing structure that has, over the years, ceased to exist. The realisation of the importance of women’s roles in building the community and how women are key to rebuilding the moral fibre of communities led to the reconstitution of this Forum.

The Free State Provincial House of Traditional Leaders and Khoi-San, Morena Neo Mopeli, reminded government departments of the mandate to assist traditional leaders and to support their initiatives. He appreciated the presence of the MEC, Mme Motshidise Koloi, as Social Development was key to both Forums as they would be dealing with social ills.

MEC for COGTA and Human Settlements, Ketso Makume, who was also standing in for the Premier, challenged the MEC to participate in BoMmaSetjhaba as he had committed to be a member of Banna Kgotla.

The challenge was well received by the MEC, who took it further and committed the Department to assist with the establishment of NPOs and cooperatives, assistance and the empowerment of people with disabilities.

MEC Koloi further highlighted the challenge of the Foster Care Backlog. She committed to returning with Social workers and will call all foster parents affected by the backlog to come to receive assistance.

More speakers alluded to the importance of the Department of Social Development in building better communities. Attendees were treated with performances from Indoni, a traditional dance group that the MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Mme Dimakatso Mahasa, pledged to fund.

The working committee of Banna Kgotla and BoMmaSetjhaba were inducted and introduced to all present by Morena Neo Mopeli and Kgosi Gaboilelwe Moroka, the Deputy Chairperson of the Free State Provincial House of Traditional Leaders and Khoi-San.

The event was also attended by the Chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders and Khoi-San, Kgosi T Seatlholo, other Traditional Leaders and dignitaries from the government and the private sector.