By Pitso Moloi
A brief history on the formation of Qwaqwa ornamented with a collection of Basotho heritage art and artifacts as well as the story of South Africa’s perilous journey to democracy and role played by many selfless and courageous men and women in this process through their brave determination was last month on displayed at Sentinel Primary School in Mabolela, Qwaqwa, at an exhibition set up by Bofihla Museum.
The exhibition documented this history from the time of the ancient citizens of the place, who are the Khoisans, going to the period of Bantustan and up to the struggle against apartheid.
It was curated as informative and educational platform to the current generation so that they can know their exact identity and understanding of the importance of people who fought for this freedom and land they are living in as well as the history of Bantu education, the likes of Thabo Edwin Mofutsanyana, Steve Biko, Nelson Mandela and many other icons.
On display were also tools that were in use before the age of technology and how knowledge was accumulated during those years.
Basotho artefacts on display were, among others, blankets called Seanamarena, brooms and hats called from the grass called Modianyewe.
A 24 year old Kananelo Bongo who attended the Exhibition was excited to learn about what he never knew. He said he was keen to learn more about the history of black people and of his homeland when it all started.
Bofihla Museum curator Letlala Motsoene mentioned that many people around Qwaqwa are eager to learn and do research mostly the youth, and the exhibition afforded them an opportunity to empower themselves with more knowledge.
He said the idea of an exhibition came after realisation that that many people would leave Qwaqwa and to other places in search of information about their area.
Bofihla Museum is the brainchild of Mpho Letula, who was born and bred in Qwaqwa. He saw the missing part and the importance of having the exhibition in his homeland.
Letula said this idea was inspired his love of art and culture. He then started reading and learning a lot and that brought necessity to preserve the Sesotho language and the element of history that youth ignore.
“The youth lost interest about where they come from, so this is one of the reason I came up with the idea to remind not just youth but everyone from early ages till the old ages,” said Letula.
Bofihla Museum in a process of getting permanent structure for setting up the full-fledged museum and still looking for funding to keep this dream alive.
“This just the 10% of the work we have shown the people. There’s still more to show hence we need a permanent building”, said Letula.
He further stated that the next exhibition should be central were it is accessible to most people. This help in getting more patrons to the exhibition.
