Spaghetti Original Pantsulas brought their fashion, dance and special brand of energy to the city of all things precious last Saturday.
Chants of ‘Chesa Maneeee’ reverberated around Block One as members of the Francistown branch came together to speak out against Gender based Violence (GBV) and knife crime.
The event was a joint effort with the police, as the cops and pantsulas joined forces in a bid to promote peace.
Speaking on behalf of the Spaghetti Original Pantsulas, their PRO, Michael Ludick explained they saw fit to organise the get-together as they are keen to get their message heard.
“A proper Pantsula is not a thief and does not go around with a knife. We are also against the use of drugs, be it dagga and katse. We are interested in partnering with Botswana police so we work together on these issues,” stressed Ludwick, whose group, founded in 2019, boasts 50 members and is one of 52 branches affiliated under Botswana Pantsula Association.
Guest Speaker on the day, Sub Inspector, Agness Kgomela from the Botswana Police Service’s Gender Based Violence office, revealed the department is inundated with an influx of GBV issues, despite the fact that so many cases go unreported.
She encouraged the pantsulas to report any type of abuse, be it sexual, physical, verbal or emotional.
“Factors leading to people not reporting GBV issues are fear of the perpetrator and re-victimisation. Others fear they will not be believed,” said Kgomela, noting this leads to self blame, health risks, substance abuse and, worst case scenario, death.
One of the invited guests, specially-elected Councillor, Modiri Jojo Lucas encouraged the pantsulas to promote and market their unique brand by collaborating with the government initiatives.
“Spaghetti Original Pantsulas should be seen to be living the mindset change that refuses to be associated with Gender Based Violence. We are all aware that The First Lady, Mrs Neo J Masisi is working hard to eliminate GBV cases among the Citizens of Botswana through her initiatives hence we ought to support her efforts in trying to build responsible and resilient communities. Let us make sure Pantsula is not all about unique dancing styles but also about projects that are meant to sustain our lives, including those of our families and Batswana in general,” challenged Lucas.
