Botswana: Deputy Permanent Secretary ( Library, Archives, Arts and Culture ) in the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Tebogo E. Matebesi, yesterday officially launched the Seperu folk-dance and associated practices project in Kasane.
When speaking at the event, Matebesi said the project marks a milestone in the Chobe District, with specific reference towards the safeguarding and promotion of the living heritage of the Chobe community.
Matebesi stated that Intangible Cultural heritage is something that has to be protected and transmitted to the younger generation for future purposes of commercialization and creating sustainable livelihoods.
He also alluded that at some point, the Mushishi, which is an attire worn during the Seperudance, should be showcased globally at fashion shows, which has the potential to generate money for Chobe natives to sustain themselves.
“In 2003, the UNESCO conference of parties adopted the Convention of the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). This was after the realization that the process of globalization, urbanization, and social transformation posed a threat to the deterioration and disappearance of ICH communities and groups. However, after a request for financial assistance from the ICH fund for the safeguarding plan, UNESCO has responded positively and has supported safeguarding efforts for Seperu with P1 274,147.00,” said Matebesi.
Moreover Deputy Permanent Secretary said the funds allocated by UNESCO will be used in activities that are in the safeguarding plan, which include establishing school clubs, conducting coaching clinics, in-depth research and documentation of the elements and promoting the use of Mushishi and the formation of the village ICH committee.
For her part, Manga Porote, the Chairperson of the Seperu Association, expressed gratitude to MYSC and UNESCO for making sure the Seperu folk dance is recognized and safeguarded. She went on to say that they aim to be global and monetize the art of Seperu and the manufacturing of Mushishi dresses to help curb unemployment.
In closing remarks, the Vice Chairperson of Chobe District ICH Committee, Kgosi Johane Chika the third urged the community to keep on safeguarding their culture as it is beautiful to have a sense of belonging.
He also thanked MYSC for helping them acquire funds that will be used towards the Seperu folk dance and associated practices.