31 Aug 2015

Kuru Development Trust patron, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe has implored members to set aside their differences for the development of the organisation. Speaking at the Kuru Dance Festival over the weekend, Dr Kedikilwe said they should avoid differences among themselves and work towards unity. 

He noted that the festival is a celebratory event of the diverse cultures that Botswana has and therefore Batswana should take pride in that. Kuru Dance Festival was last held in 2012. Dr Kedikilwe explained that this year’s festival was a revival of the organisation’s dignity and self-esteem. 

He also noted that this year’s celebration after a two-year lapse also afforded members to revive talents for livelihood and the continued promotion of the San culture that adds to the diversity of Botswana cultures.Nevertheless, he said the trust often faces financial challenges, but emphasised that financial constraints should not be seen as much of an obstacle. 

He noted that self-sustainability should be key. Dr Kedikilwe also observed that such events do not necessarily lack financial support, but rather lack administrative skills to run the events successfully. He advised members of such organisations to allow the youth to administer the events, saying they can ignite career opportunities for them.

Events such as these promote cultural tourism and economic diversification with a current employment of 35 000. 

Therefore Dr Kedikilwe said the festival should compete for pride with other similar events in the country. He said the festival should create opportunities for the consumption of local products to boost local economies and employment creation in the process.

For his part, Kuru Development Trust chairperson, Johannes Morris said their vision as founders of the festival was for the Basarwa community to embrace, uphold and revive their culture at all times as well as to be proud of who they are as a community. He implored Basarwa communities to celebrate and embrace their culture and in the end create wealth through their talent. Ends