Location and Geography

Tutume lies approximately 50 kilometers from the Zimbabwe border gate at Maitengwe. The bustling city of Francistown, about 100 kilometers away, serves as its nearest urban center. The village is surrounded by the natural beauty of the region, with rolling landscapes and the promise of adventure.

A Bakalanga Stronghold

Tutume is more than just a village; it's a district headquarters for the Bakalanga people. The Bakalanga are an ethnic group with a rich cultural heritage, and Tutume serves as an umbrella for different BaKalanga clans. The Wumbe tribe, to which they all belong, has deep roots in this land.

Community Life

Within Tutume's boundaries, life unfolds in wards—distinct neighborhoods that form the fabric of the community. Let's explore some of them:

1. Madikwe Ward (Sitabule): Here, the main kgotla (traditional meeting place) stands near Tutume Central Primary School. Headmen and their advisers gather to discuss matters of importance.
2.  Selolwane Ward (Tjilagwani): Another vibrant corner of Tutume, Selolwane, contributes to the village's cultural tapestry.
3.  Thini Ward: Thini adds its unique flavor to Tutume's identity, with its own stories and traditions.
4.  Magapatona Ward (Madandume): The river "Tutume" flows through this ward, and its name echoes in Kalanga: "gwizi go Tutuma," signifying an overflowing river.

Essential Services

Tutume wears many hats as an administrative hub:

• Healthcare: The village boasts a primary hospital and is currently constructing a district hospital.
• Education: Tutume nurtures young minds with two junior secondary schools (Denjebuya and Pandagala) and one senior secondary school (Tutume McConnell Community College).
• Infrastructure: From the police station to the immigration department, Tutume ensures essential services for its residents.
• Commerce: Supermarkets like Choppies, Saverite, Sefalana, and Spar cater to daily needs. Lodges, hotels, and bed-and-breakfast spots offer comfort to travelers.

Notable Figures

Tutume has produced remarkable individuals, including:

• Kemmy Pilato (born 1989): A talented Botswana footballer who carries the village's spirit onto the field.

Conclusion

Tutume, with its warm-hearted people, cultural richness, and scenic surroundings, stands as a testament to Botswana's diversity and resilience. As the river Tutume continues to flow, so does the legacy of this remarkable village.

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References:

1. Tutume - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tutume.
2. Tutume, Botswana 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g17784388-Tutume_Central_District-Vacations.html.
3. Tutume, Botswana Tourist Information. https://www.touristlink.com/botswana/tutume/overview.html.
4. en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tutume.