Phuthadikobo Museum

The Phuthadikobo Museum is a historic building of exceptional architectural interest and the museum has a range of interesting displays, a craft shop and a silkscreen printing workshop which are unique to Africa. It is a museum, cultural centre and silkscreen workshop all forming one successful community development programme – providing all its participants with a sense of pride, independence and a place to learn and work since 1975. The emphasis is on the local life, traditions and design of Bakgatla.HistoryThe proposal to establish a district museum in Mochudi was first approved by the District Council and District Development Committee in 1972. No firm steps to initiate such a project, however, were taken until the end of 1975 when the district council indicated that it was prepared to make available the abandoned Isang School building to any private group which was prepared to convert it into some kind of community education center, further it indicated its strong wish that this center should incorporate the district museum. With the enthusiastic Bakgatla late King, Kgosi Linchwe II, an ad hoc committee was quickly formed which begun to discuss the nature of a possible project and the new opportunity that had been created by the council’s offer. At a meeting of 17.12.75 the new committee informed council that it was prepared to accept its offer and outline its thinking about the project. Council made it clear that the project would have its full support, that it was only able to provide only minimal financial assistance, and that it would like the project to be administered by an independent trust.GovernanceThe museum is administered through a board of trustees. The day-to-day responsibilities of the museum are handled by the Director who is also the chief curator and other museum staff members.