12 Jan 2016

Renowned Matlapana basket weaver in Maun, Thitaku Maphaha has finally realised her dream of opening a cultural village. 

The visual artist has for many years been producing top quality baskets, a niche that has seen her travel the world over showcasing her rare skill. Not only has she been to many parts of the world, she has also won prizes for her outstanding work.

As a way of showcasing her talent to tourists passing through Maun, she has finally managed to open a Hambukushu Cultural Village which is running successfully.

Situated at Matlapana just outside Maun along the Maun-Shorobe road, the cultural village is a perfect place to taste Hambukushu local culture and lifestyle. 

In an interview, Maphaha said the idea of a cultural village was born in 2007 after a thorough research on the Hambukushu culture. She was concerned that even though the Hambukushu culture is rich, there was a need to document information regarding the activities of the tribe.

 She revealed that there was a delay to start construction because the relevant department did not issue her the operating licence on time.

In 2012, she started the construction of the traditional huts and by then a licence was issued by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks to sell some of her products made from natural resources.

The cultural village officially opened its doors to the public last July and since then it has been thriving. With its traditional mud buildings and thatched roundavells decorated with African art and culture, the village is indeed a refreshing stop for tourists on their way to the delta.

The place preserves the tradition of the heritage of the Hambukushu and then practice it to those interested and making a living out of it. 

The activities of the Hambukushu people include amongst others basket weaving, traditional dances and songs, lifestyle and many more. 

The facility also displays all kinds of artifacts that were used in the past.

Maphaha explained that the place offers tourists an opportunity to interact with the villagers, exchange ideas, learn more history, tradition and cultural customs and also have a taste of traditional food, drinks, dance and games.

She said the place has become vibrant and distinctive as on daily basis they receive tourists locally and internationally, noting that tourists were happy with the service they got from the staff.

She noted that every time there are return visits which always bring new faces and “that indicates that indeed our centre offers a unique and memorable visitor experience,” she added.

She revealed that about 50 volunteers are working at the village with a view to promote the Hambukushu culture.  

The place is a bustling Botswana market village in the centre of Ngamiland where craft people make and trade their products.

Meanwhile, one of the local tourists who visited the place, Baba Kgosikhumo said the place is welcoming and also offers the unique opportunity to take a cultural expedition into past and present culture.

He said the place has interesting artifacts relating to the Hambukushu tribe. 

“If one wants to learn a great deal of the Hambukushu culture, the centre is your best place to visit,” said Kgosikhumo. Ends