Tatodi among The Bangwaketse

Abstract

The article explores tatodi (death reporting) amongst the Batswana tribe, Bangwaketse. The Bangwaketse cultural practice of tatodi, also prevalent  in other indigenous cultures, promotes botho (ubuntu) in terms of socialisation, sense of belonging, unity and identity among the communities. This is demonstrated by the clear-cut roles that elders such as the Chief, uncles and aunts play in tatodi by observing certain cultural protocols. The current social ills that threaten unity in communities put the cultural practices such as tatodi under the spotlight of moral and educational campus. Hence,  sustaining such cultural practices can help restore culturally instilled morals.

Keywords: Tatodi, botho, masori, cultural practices, Bangwaketse.