By Comfort Mamabolo
The University of Limpopo, Radio Turf, and Sedu Molepo Group hosted an end-of-Heritage Month celebration at the Ga-Mothapo Royal House. The event highlighted the importance of preserving South Africa’s diverse cultures and traditions, bringing together community members, students, and traditional leaders for a day of reflection and pride.
Legasane Mothapo, Kgadi to the Bakgaga Royal House praising and welcoming guests by sharing historical background of Mothapo people. Photo by: Vutlhari Hlongwane
The event was hosted by Radio Turf presenters, led by Karabo Mothapo, along with other colleagues. Legasane Mothapo, representing Bakgaga Ba Mothapo, officially opened the ceremony, welcoming guests and Kgoshigadi Moremadi Mothapo with traditional praises. “Rena re Bakgaga ba Mothapo re boa Monyewete Bokgalaka, Bakgaga ba Mmakibela.”
Radio Turf Station Manager Makwena Mamadi and program facilitators: Photo by: Vutlhari Hlongwane
Radio Turf Station Manager, Makwena Mamadi, alluded that the annual event celebrates the richness of African heritage. “Our communities must return to our culture promoting our dialects, attire, traditional music, and food, while teaching children good manners,” said Mamadi.
He added that Bakgaga Ba Mothapo was chosen as this year’s host through the support of Sedu Molepo Group and cooperation with the royal house and local community.
Kgoshigadi Moremadi Mothapo encouraged attendees to embrace their African identity. “We must not be like bats, unsure if we are mice or birds,” she says, “Remain African through your language, food, clothes, and behaviour. Eat traditional foods like magaba, makokoro, mašotša, kgodu, diphatša, and dinawa to stay healthy these foods are affordable, nutritious, and part of who we are.”
When asked by Radio Turf newsreader Tshepo Maeko about youth losing their cultural identity, Kgoshigadi Moremadi urged stronger government involvement. “The Department of Arts and Culture must host awareness programmes from primary to secondary schools to help young people remain true to themselves,” she said.
Radio Turf supported the theme of the day through a live performance of Mararankodi a Bophelo, a radio drama that airs weekdays at 8:00 PM, with the drama presenters Patricia Leputu, Paul Lechelele, Mapula Maponya, Mpho Mamabolo, and Fikile Mogale,.
“The drama highlights the importance of life and marriage. Tune in to 103.8 FM from home or work to learn more,” said Leputu.
Mararankodi a bophelo live drama: Photo by: Vutlhari Hlongwane
The event drew participation from local schools, including Maredi, Phuti, Ntji-Mothapo, Matshelane, and Molamo Primary Schools, and Makgongoana High School. Learners performed traditional dances, praise poetry, and songs to celebrate their heritage.
Dikeledi Tsebe, Matshelane Primary Principal, stated that the event encouraged learners to embrace both culture and language. “This celebration does more than preserve culture; it builds commitment to community and highlights learners’ talents,” said Tsebe.
Girls cultural attire: Photo by: Vutlhari Hlongwane
Ntombi Motloutsi, a Grade 7 learner from Phuti Primary, also performed a praise poem dedicated to Kgoshigadi Mothapo. “It took time to master some Sepedi words, but I wanted to perfect it,” she said. “My dream is to be recognized as a poet in the Mothapo Royal House.”
Cultural traditional dancers’ group. Photo by: Vutlhari Hlongwane
The day concluded with performances of dinaka dancing, poetry, and displays of traditional attire from both boys and girls. The celebration not only honored Heritage Month but also reminded attendees of the importance of identity, pride, and cultural preservation within the Limpopo community.
