Bapedi culture, traditions preserved in a book
Author Matalane Mokgatla from Ga Nkoana in the Sekhukhune district, seeks to help preserve the Pedi culture and tradition through his book titled, Sebešong sa Matalane.
LIMPOPO – He says after he came to realisation that the Pedi culture and traditions are slowly dying out, especially among the youth, whom he believes are supposed to be the ones who carry the legacy of the livelihood into the future, he decided to write a book in an effort to not only educate but also unify the Bapedi community. “With this book I have conducted extensive research using books and physical interviews with the elderly in our societies, who are more knowledgeable about our traditions and cultures, so that I can be able to incorporate their knowledge in the book. I want to see this book, written in Sepedi, being read for many years to come in community libraries and schools.
He says it is also his wish that the book will encourage the youth to start reading in their mother tongue, which is the first step towards preserving and promoting our culture.
The book launch held on Saturday, was infused with a play by local actors and actresses who were depicting the background of Bapedi culture; from the colors that represent the Pedi culture, to the food, and songs that are/were sang in the olden days.
Indigenous games such diketo, kgathi, morabaraba, dibeke and many more were enjoyed by attendees. Traditional cuisines including include thophi (made from maize meal and a fruit called lerotse, a melon), mashotja (Mopani worms), moroga wa dikgopana (spinach cooked and left to dry in the sun), and dikgobe (coarsely ground corn/samp and beans) just to name a few were enjoyed as part of the meals on the afternoon.
The book is available for purchase from the author on 081 582 8597.
