11 Sep 2014

The much-publicised Mmakgodumo heritage and cultural festival slated for September 13 promises to be a vast melting point of Sengwaketse culture.

Dubbed ‘Ngwao yame, mokgabo wa me’, the event seems destined to live up to its hype if words by the organising committee’s publicity secretary, Osenotse Mabote are anything to go by.

An array of activities, all bearing Sengwaketse customs and culture among them cattle drawn sledges, dikhwaere, traditional games, will be paraded for people to feast their eyes upon.

Rich Setswana poetry by both the young and old will characterise the day. “People will also have an opportunity to taste some of the best traditional cuisine Ga-Ngwaketse has to offer,” he said.

Equally befitting of the carnival of this magnitude is Mmakgodumo dam, a place where the celebrations will take place. Mmakgodumo dam is among the many legacies left behind by Kgosi Bathoen II; this is where courtesy of the enterprising leadership of the late Kgosikgolo a dam was constructed for irrigation purposes in 1943.

Adjacent to the dam, which is within the boundaries of Bathoen bird sanctuary is the mythical Pharing gorge, a place many believe has the powers of the gods.

It is at this gorge also where the Ndebele King, Mzilikazi is said to have taken cover in one of the caves during tribal wars of yesteryears. Botswana Tourism Organisation chief executive officer, Brian Dithebe will officially open the festival which is in its second year.

Former head of state, Sir Ketumile Masire and other dignitaries from across the country are expected to grace the event. Mabote has also urged women and men to be dressed in sky-blue German print and khakis respectively. Ends