‘El Negro’s humiliating and haunting return to Africa’
El Negro was an unknown African man of Tswana origin. His remains were returned from Europe in October 2000, where he had been stuffed and made into a freak exhibit.
Government ministers, diplomats and members of the public attended the burial of the warrior, known as El Negro (the black man), whose body arrived in Gaborone from Spain, where its display angered many Africans. STAFF WRITER AUBREY LUTE replays a presentation by Dr Jeff Ramsay at the Commonwealth Conference Human Remains Management: Extending the conversation throughout Africa.
Dr Ramsay narrated that El Negro’s story is a text book case for the conference on Human remains management. “When he arrived in Gaborone, he was nothing like what was displayed in Spain. This was wrong on all grounds. We expected a coffin to arrive so that people can view the remains, but nothing of that sort happened then.”
Africa has a very dark past in so far as relationship with the West is concerned. Africans have been seen the worst of mistreatment, they have been humiliated, they have scars to attest to the brutality they were subjected to by their colonial masters whose racism still ferment today despite the many years of civilization across the globe. In Botswana, a man dubbed El Negro has become the template of humiliation faced by the Sotho-Tswana people under the colonial rule.
The body of this ancient African warrior stolen from its grave over 170 years ago and displayed in European showcases was reburied in Botswana on in October 2010 in a solemn ceremony attended by more than 1000 people. The remains were lowered into the ground in a coffin draped with the Botswana flag at the popular Tsholofelo Recreational Park in a northern suburb of the capital. A plaque at the site reads: "The body of El Negro was stolen in 1830 and returned on 4 October 2000."
Dr Jeff Ramsay of Livingstone Kolobeng College relieved the humiliation and indignity suffered by El Negro when giving a presentation at the Commonwealth Conference Human Remains Management: Extending the conversation throughout Africa on March 12 at the University of Botswana. With Africa, Botswana included, still under the shadow of the West, Ramsay’s presentation opened old wounds that reminded many that despite Botswana’s peaceful attainment of independence in 1966, those who lived before the transition experienced haunting and daunting experiences under the likes of William Hunt and George Lennox. The former transported “Bushmen” for popular entertainment while the former sold “Bushmen” remains for various collections.
Dr Ramsay bulleted some incidents to demonstrate how El Negro was humiliated even after his arrival in Africa. He was buried at Tsholofelo Park instead of the Gaborone cemetery, no explanation as to why at the Park; He was associated with El Nino, because it coincided with his burial here; There is a secondary controversy on whether he was from South Africa or Botswana; DNA that was taken from him was never reported back; therefore his story is humiliating and daunting, argues Dr Ramsay.
Back in 2010, Foreign Minister, the late Mompati Merafhe, who laid a wreath at the grave, condemned the two French taxidermists who stole El Negro's body from its grave in 1830 and put in on display in Paris before selling it to a Spanish museum. And for his part the then Spanish Ambassador to Botswana Eduardo Garrigues said "administrative and political procedures" had delayed the body's return. He said the display of the warrior's body had been an "insult to the dignity of all Africans".
Botswana officials had angrily said that El Negro was "displayed like a stuffed antelope", but Dr Ramsay’s depiction of El Negro’s return and stay at his resting place mocks this statement. His return was more like a rendition of the Paris stunts which saw El Negro’s body being publicly displayed to the amusement of Europeans. Today, El Negro’s grave is not noticeable and is a forgotten nonevent. Pressure for the body to be returned mounted after Haitian doctor Alphonse Arcelin, resident in Spain, complained to the United Nations in 1992 at the undignified treatment of the remains.
Arcelin's complaint was followed by a bitter row in Banyoles between those in favour of repatriating the body and those who wanted to keep it. Records show that the suspected warrior was withdrawn from exhibition in 1997 and kept in a depot pending a decision, which came last February when the town council agreed that his remains should return to Botswana for burial.
It is evident though that the exact place of origin of El Negro has not been determined, although he was originally referred to as El Bechuana or Motswana (inhabitant of what was then Bechuanaland). The late Merafhe had tried to put the issue of origin to rest by saying: "He was an African and we wanted him home, period."
How El Negro’s remains were stolen from Africa
While travelling in modern South Africa, Jules Verreaux and his brother witnessed the burial of a Motswana warrior. He returned to the burial site under the cover of night to dig up the African’s body, which he subsequently stuffed. He then shipped the body to Paris along with a batch of stuffed animals in crates. In 1831, the African’s body appeared in a showroom at No. 3, Rue Saint Fiacre as an exhibit.
La Figero described the Verreaux brothers as “real vampires” who were only interested in dealing with the skin of the exhumed corpse. After eviscerating him to stay with only the skin, the skull and a few bones, the brothers left the rest to the jackals”. In their attempt to cover themselves with their sale, the Verreaux tuned the corpse smearing it with bitumen to blacken its skin more. “That seemed more exotic”!
WeekendLife
Radio titans gloss RB2
In a thrilling turn of events, former YFM on-air presenter Petula Khulman, now known as Petula El’Kindiy, is set to co-host the morning show with the station’s current star, Thabo Bolokwe, fondly referred to as T.H.A.B.O. Petula’s radio journey began at Yarona FM and spanned over a year and a half, during which she honed her skills and developed a loyal fan base.
Petula, a Media Studies graduate from Rhodes University, holds a wealth of experience in the industry. Her career took her across borders, from Yarona FM to Gabz FM, and even to a community radio station, Bay FM. She later returned to YFM, where she hosted a show called The Plaground.
Her latest venture, “The Morning Essentials,” kicked off on July 1, 2020. The show, which airs from 3am to 5am on weekdays and 6am to 10am on Saturdays, quickly gained popularity among listeners. Petula attributes her success to her passion for media, music, and dance, as well as her appreciation for her colleagues at YFM.
However, her journey wasn’t without its challenges. In 2023, her work permit was denied by South African authorities, leading to a temporary pause in her radio career. Despite the setback, Petula remains undeterred and is ready to bring her bubbly personality and captivating voice back to the airwaves of RB2.
Adding to the excitement, Khumo ‘Missgeekays’ Kgwaadira is also making a comeback. The popular media personality and businesswoman, who was last heard on RB2 in October 2022, will be back on air from Monday. Missgeekays, who owns a restaurant called Kana Kgang, has been keeping herself busy with various ventures, including a stint as a freelance presenter.
Her return to RB2 is eagerly anticipated, and her fans are thrilled to hear that she will be back in her familiar mid-morning slot. The exact details of her show are still under wraps, but one thing is for sure – with the new lineup, RB2 is poised to make a big splash in the radio landscape.
“With the new lineup, RB2 will be the biggest thing ever. We expect fireworks and amusement from the morning through mid-morning and the afternoons. All the faces that are returning to the airwaves will contribute to the radio station’s growth and a snowballing of listenership,” a source close to the station revealed.
So, get ready for a thrilling ride as RB2 unveils its new look and lineup this coming Monday. With Petula El’Kindiy and Khumo ‘Missgeekays’ Kgwaadira leading the charge, there’s no doubt that RB2 is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever!
WeekendLife
Strawberry Ritual: An unconventional key to virtual interview success
In the modern era of swift communication, where digital platforms have become the cornerstone of professional interactions, mastering the nuances of a Zoom interview is a vital skill for job applicants. The pivot towards remote work has rendered platforms like Zoom indispensable for establishing connections with prospective employers. So, imagine if we told you that a humble fruit could be the secret ingredient to enhancing your self-assurance and excelling in that virtual interview? Indeed, the fruit in question is the strawberry!
“A whopping 59.1% of the workforce prefers remote work over a conventional office setting,” asserts Forbes, a staggering fact that underscores the global trend of working from home. In the UK, Zoom witnessed a dramatic surge in its daily active users (DAU), peaking at approximately 1.7 million around the end of November 2020. This significant upswing in DAU coincided with the onset of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, as more individuals began participating in virtual meetings for both work and social engagements with their families and friends.
But how does a strawberry fit into this narrative? What might seem like a punchline to a whimsical joke could revolutionize your approach to virtual job interviews. CEO Chantry Somtun of JustBanter shares this ingenious trick that could make a world of difference.
According to CEO Chantry Somtun of JustBanter, consuming a strawberry before your Zoom call could have a profound impact on your performance. The National Institute of Health has discovered that strawberries contain folate, a compound that aids in calming nerves and reducing anxiety by stimulating the production of serotonin, a hormone crucial for maintaining a positive mood and mental well-being. Moreover, strawberries are teeming with anthocyanins, antioxidants that enhance brain and emotional health, making them an excellent choice for those seeking to alleviate stress and anxiety before significant virtual meetings.
So, how can you incorporate this simple yet potent trick into your pre-Zoom routine? It’s as straightforward as savoring a few fresh strawberries 10-20 minutes before your call. If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen ones or even a refreshing strawberry smoothie can serve as excellent alternatives. For the best results, consume the strawberries on an empty stomach to ensure faster absorption of folate and maximize their mood-enhancing benefits.
Beyond just soothing your nerves before a critical interview, strawberries offer a myriad of health benefits, such as being rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall well-being. By integrating strawberries into your pre-Zoom ritual, you can not only boost your confidence but also support your body’s health in the process.
In a competitive job market where first impressions matter, adopting this unconventional yet effective strategy could be the game-changer you need to distinguish yourself and leave a lasting impression on potential employers. Therefore, the next time you have a Zoom interview scheduled, reach for some strawberries and experience the positive difference they can make in enhancing your confidence and performance.
In a world where virtual connections have become the new norm, utilizing simple yet powerful techniques like the strawberry trick can set you apart and help you navigate the challenges of virtual job interviews with ease. By capitalizing on the natural benefits of this humble fruit, you can elevate your Zoom confidence to unprecedented heights and pave the way for success in your job search. So, why not seize the day? Grab some strawberries, take a bite, and witness your Zoom interview game soar to new heights!
WeekendLife
Mrs Botswana’s ‘MO’ to gender parity
Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong, an illustrious beacon brightening the corners of Botswana, wields her vision for gender equity and empowerment like a torch, illuminating paths for her community. Standing at the helm of the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation, and donning multiple hats as an international personal wellness coach, a savvy business magnate, and the esteemed Mrs. Botswana 2023/24, her mission is to cast rays of change into the lives she touches.
Her strategy for bridging the gender divide is both comprehensive and visionary. Mokgathong, understanding the vitality of lifting women and girls, equally champions the cause of young boys and men. She advocates for a culture of mutual admiration and understanding across gender lines, fostering a society unbound by the shackles of conventional gender roles—a society where balance and harmony reign supreme.
In her magnum opus, a collaborative venture with entities like NAPHA, Men and Boys for Gender Justice, the Botswana Police Service, and Girls for Girls Botswana, lies a quest for familial empowerment. Her goal is to fortify the foundation of families, supporting parents and guardians, sons and daughters alike, equipping them with the capabilities to forge strong intrapersonal and professional bonds.
“My project is family oriented, we want to focus on the family as a whole, we want to help both parents or guardians, men and women and the children of households both boy and girl. I am passionate in doing so because lately women and the girl child have been given a pedestal, they have been given a lot of help and a lot of recognition while men are considered as perpetrators and young boys are neglected, therefore we want to groom both the girl and boy child so that they grow up to be able to interact with each other and when they get to relationships, be it personal or work wise,†she said.
Mokgathong’s reach extends further than mere intervention; she invests in the empowerment of individuals through education, skill development, and the allocation of resources crucial for autonomy and enduring triumphs. By nurturing innate capabilities, igniting the flames of innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship, she sets the stage for marginalized communities to emerge from the shadows of dependency, crafting their own realms of prosperity.
“As we educate a girl child to be strong and independent, we also enable a young man or boy to be able to accept that strong independent woman, ensuring that the equation is balanced. I also want to help stop gender-based violence while protecting our children. When I began my initiative, it was based on GBV and child protection, but it developed into campaigning for the less fortunate and vulnerable,†she stresses.
Her journey, fraught with hurdles, including early disappointments in her pursuit of the Mrs. Botswana title, stands testament to her resilience and indomitable spirit. Gratitude fills her heart for mentors, sponsors, kin, and comrades whose support has sculpted her into the powerhouse she is today.
She says: “People want to be involved with you when you are a top finalist or the reigning queen. When I first started, I was only a person, and it was difficult and time-consuming to generate cash, solicit donations, and obtain obligation, particularly in rural areas. But right now, as the reigning queen it is a bit easier to reach out to collaborators and sponsors and I pray to God that as I am continuing with my project after crowning the new queen it will continue to be so and growth and more people will be willing to invest and help out.â€
Juggling her myriad roles demands the prowess of a maestro, yet Mokgathong thrives by weaving her family into her philanthropic endeavors and mastering the art of time management. She empowers young aspirants to self-reflect, establish objectives, harness mentorship and sponsorship, and gear up for the trials that lie ahead.
As Mrs. Botswana, her ambition soars beyond personal accolades; it’s tethered to the upliftment of her nation through the empowerment of women, the nurturing of men’s talents, and the preparation of the youth for a flourishing future. She envisages expanding the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation’s influence, delving deeper into rural engagements to sow seeds of empowerment and hope for generations yet to come.
“For charity work to be more effective, I believe we need to empower other than just giving. We need to empower the less privileged and the vulnerable, with the right skills and knowledge so that they can sustain themselves in the long run. We need to help those who are talented and innovative. I am proud to say my work is doing wonders, the kids that we are mentoring are able to find direction in life, they now know what they want to be as they grow up and they are able to identify subjects they want to study and career they want to pursue. Families that we have been in contact with, families that are from different background are able to identify their skills and they are able to grow and turn them into businesses.â€
In essence, Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong stands as a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration in Botswana. Her unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality, community upliftment, and personal development lights the way for others. Through her relentless endeavors and steadfast dedication, she renders a profound impact on her community and beyond, etching a durable mark of empowerment and optimism.