08 Oct 2015

Bangwaketse capital, Kanye, will once again be a melting pot for Sengwaketse culture as the annual Mmakgodumo heritage and cultural festival kick start today (October 9).

The festival publicity director, Osenotse Mabote, said cultural enthusiasts should brace themselves for a three-day cultural thriller whose intent is to display Sengwaketse culture.

Hosted at the picturesque Mmakgodumo dam area, the festival will be  celebrated under the theme: Ngwao yame, Mokgabo Wame, for the third year running; something that Mabote said was to stir and instil within Bangwaketse a sense of  pride and appreciation in as far as their roots are concerned.

Other than a parade of dikgafela, setapa dance, traditional sifting of sorghum, oxen drawn sledge and Setswana dishes, organisers have roped in regiments in an effort to create excitement and educate public about the role of mephato.  

This year, Maabakgomo regiment, which is made of men of age group 1961-1963, Matlotlakgosi (1964-1969) within which Kgosikgolo Malope II of Bangwaketse falls and Maakapula (1970-1975) will arrive parading on horseback in what will be amongst the highlights of the festivities.

Mabote said Friday would mark the commencement of the carnival, which will primarily be used to usher in youth from Gangwaketse and elsewhere in Botswana to showcase a fusion of culture with modern day instruments.

Saturday, which will be the main day, will mainly feature Sengwaketse cultural events in their purest form while Sunday will feature jazz and football game between dikgosi and councillors.  Thabang Gaarongwe, Ocean Blues, Gong Master are amongst artists lined up for the Sunday event which will also mark the closing of the festivities.

Adults will pay P20 on Friday, P30 on Saturday and P20 for the Sunday event while school going children will be allowed free entry. Ends