Karabo Ntanzi
As tradition, the Bakubung ba ga Tlhabiwa (Seekoei) family, from Thabanchu, Bloemfontein, Kimberley and Pietersburg came together for their annual family gathering which was held on 1 November at Recreation Hall.
One of the organisers’, Kamogelo Seekoie from Bloemfonten, indicated that this has been happening for the past 25 years and this time it was Kimberley’s turn to host. “Annually we meet at different place where there are members of the Bakubung family. According to the elders, we originate from two clans the Bakubung ba ga Tlhabirwa and Motlhamatsane,” she explains.
She indicated that in the year 2000, her late uncles realised that they only meet during weddings and funerals which is not enough. Thereafter, a resolution was taken that the family will meet annually, on the First Saturday of November under different circumstances. The first gathering was held in Bloemfontein in the year 2000.
One of the objectives of these gathering is to create a standard for the Bakungs’ and to ensure that all members of the family takes pride in themselves and are informed about their customs and traditions. A topic ranging from marriage, divorce, cleansing ceremonies and other related issues a discussed at these gatherings. They also have a family vision board, so that the children know the vision and values of the family. Thereafter games are played to strengthen family bonds especially amongst young ones.
Although most elders have passed on, the family has managed to keep this tradition going, amongst challenges in preparing and hosting the gatherings.
“At each gathering, we decided who will host (which town) the following year. We start raising funds from January. Just like all families we are not prone to disagreements. Sometimes you find that people are not participating because they have past feuds. But we put that aside because we need to go forward and continue with life”, indicated Kamogelo.
To commemorate the Silver Jubilee (25 years) a token of appreciation (a small gift) was handed to those who are over 70 years old and alive.
Apparently their original surname was Mogwaladi and the clan name Bakubung (ba bina Kubu), the farmers could not pronounce Mogwaladi, therefore they change the surname to Seekoei.
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