Customs, Beliefs, and Christianity Within the life of the Bakgatla Ba Mosetlha

Abstract

Christianity and African customs and beliefs continue to coexist in the African community. The community seeks to remain true to itself as far as customs and beliefs are concerned. This study seeks to explore the role of Christianity in the makeover of Africa, the subsequent degeneration of customs and beliefs on the BaKgatla Ba Mosetlha and how Christianity affects the value of life of the BaKgatla Ba Mosetlha. The BaKgatla Ba Mosetlha, a section of the BaTswana people, is made up of several villages that are inhabited not only by the BaKgatla but also by non-BaKgatla who have been allowed residence there. This research study has been undertaken by using the mixed methods approach with the use of computerised software to maximise the data collection, validity and reliability of the study. A grounded theory has been employed as it requires the researcher to constantly interact with the data from the beginning. Tribal council and village meetings have been attended and other methods have enhanced the process and the study immensely. It has emerged from the study that the tribe is as proud of their customs and beliefs as they are of the SeTswana culture. The presence of Christianity has muddied the waters for those with little background and leadership to provide guidance and direction to the tribe. As a result of this a number of factors have contributed to the degeneration of customs and beliefs and the total collapse of tribal institutions of the BaKgatla Ba Mosetlha. The indecisive tribal and village leadership and the unavailability of literature on the customs and beliefs of the BaTswana people have added to the unhelpful situation within which the people find themselves. The booming and unrelenting ‘Jesus Ministry’ and the emergence of local government have been some of the challenges facing the already handicapped tribe.