Botswana: The people of the Bangwaketse tribe of Botswana has come together for the celebration of their own culture on Saturday, October 12. The celebration was hosted under the theme “Ngwao Lore Boikokotlelo” at Mmakgodumo Dam.
The people of the Bangwaketse community have hosted the Mmakgodumo festival for the first time since the Covid 19 Pandemic. The officials have shared that this year was the seventh year of the celebration.
The event was supported and sponsored by a number of officials including the Botwana Tourism Organization. Ministry of Youth, Geender, Sports and Culture, National Arts Council of Botswana and Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency.
Kgosi Malope ll welcomed the guests and appreciated them for participating in the celebration. He also thanked all the sponsors for making the event a success for the people of the country.
Kgosi Malope II shared the history of the tribe and the story of how Mmakgodumo Dam was built by Bangwaketse. The whole tribe had united in the aim of constructing the dam for the benefit of the tribe and the community it housed.
He also urged the local community to come together to help fence the dam and turn it into a resort. The members of the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture were also present at the event
District Coordinator at MYSC Kanye Moeti Godisamang was also present at the event. He highlighted that the government believes that it was important to establish the NACB.
It will also catalyze the creative industry and promote culture. Furthermore this will help diversify the economy thus boosting the country’s economy.
At the same time protecting our Intangible Cultural heritage. He went on to encourage the people of Botswana to promote their culture so we can show case to other countries.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism Modukanele said that his Ministry saw it fit to join MYSC and NACB in promoting cultural events such as Khawa Dune Challenge and Cultural Festival, Xere Cultural Festival and Hika la ngwanyana,
In his closing remarks the Guest speaker, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Lemogang Kwape pleaded with Bangwaketse to protect the environment,as it is the very same that hosts such magnificent events and how such events promote arts and culture helping in diversifying the economy.
The event was graced by local artists, including Ditiro Leero and the legendary Dr Vom.