By Gofaone Koogotsitse

Copyright thevoicebw

Cultural Fest’s sweet 17 proves best yet

17 may be a difficult year for stroppy teenagers, but there were no such problems for the Dithubaruba Cultural Festival on Saturday.

The annual event’s 17th edition was a sweet success, as thousands from all walks of life thronged the Ntsweng Heritage Site, known as Ga Mmakgosi, for a day of culture, music, food and fashion.

Embracing the occasion, many turned up in their finest traditional attire, with ‘leteitshe’ dominating the dress code.

There was also a distinct family feel to this year’s festival, organisers working overtime to cater for children, with jumping castle, horse riding and quad biking among the fun activities offered.

Ensuring the Bakwena-based celebration was more diverse than in years gone by, the festival’s coordinator, Power Kawina explained they decided to do things a little differently this time.

“This year, we arranged to make sure we lift the standard and make the event unique bringing different cultures together. Culture brings peace and unites tribes as we have Baherero, Bafokeng, Ba Ga-Mogopa just to mention a few; we also have groups from Kweneng,” he said, adding he was deeply touched by the huge turnout, the show’s biggest yet.

Voicing excitement at the recently launched City Tour initiative in Gaborone, the big-dreaming Kawina added, “We can also have urban tour or village tour since we have our cultural places such as Legaga la ga Kobokwe,Lekadiba, Ntsweng and Dithubaruba which we can set as places of tourism.”

For his part, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Mmolotsi noted Botswana is rich with artistic talent, be it in: music, dance, poetry, visual arts, theatre and film, presenting a window for wealth creation.

“I have travelled across the country, engaging with community trusts, listening to their dreams and aspirations. I have invited experts to help us build policies and programs that unlock the full potential of our creative economy.
Cultural festivals like Dithubaruba are the launchpads for this transformation,” declared Mmolotsi.

The event also brought a smile to local businesses, who were given a platform to showcase their products and make some money.

Traditional beer, homemade sauces and biscuits were some of the delights on offer.

One of the businesswomen to benefit, Shinnie Motlhabi, whose stall proved a hit selling sauces packaged in small containers for P50, described the day as a turning point in her enterprise.

“It’s my first time to attend the event. I feel motivated and am very appreciative that so many customers are visiting my stall. It gives courage as I once won 1st prize at Women’s Expo at Ditshupo in 2016,” mused Motlhabi.

Celebrated under the theme, ‘Ngwao Ya Rona Ea Tshela, Heritage in Motion,’ the festival’s line-up featured over 30 artists including several big-hitters.

Leading the way were: Malome Tau from South Africa, local groups Dipela tsa ga Kobokwe, Mmurubele, MmaAusi, Cultural Spears and Dr Vom, whose popular anthem ‘Tsaya thobane o ba bolaye’ went down a treat.

For his part, Bakwena Kgosi, Kgari Sechele III thanked ABSA for their continued support, noting the bank’s backing was integral to the festival’s growth.

As title sponsors, ABSA agreed to a three-year deal back in 2022, pumping P250, 000 into each edition since then.

Other sponsors included The Voice Newspaper, Mmegi, Duma FM, and Botswana Tourism, just to mention a few.