06 Mar 2016

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama has pleaded with residents of Kole to take pride in their culture and heritance.

Adrressing a kgotla meeting in Kole village in  Ghanzi District on Thursday, President Khama indicated  that it is important for various communities to promote, preserve and showcase their culture in an effort to promote the eco- tourism industry in their region.  

He noted that Bakgalagadi in particular have always had a culture that is intertwined with their environment and dependent on natural resources therefore a lot of resources should be geared towards how best the local community can be empowered through cultural heritage.

President Khama further promised residents that he will consult with the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture to discuss the inclusion of the Bakgalagadi dance(Na’aama step) category in the President’s day competition.

The President’s competitions, he said has in the past introduced the Sebirwa and Seyei dance categories to cater for those ethnic groups and highlighted that the introduction of the Sekgalagadi dance category might also be on cards in the near future.

President Khama was responding to a concern by Ms Maureen Ramoswaane regarding the exclusion of Sekgalagadi dance in the presidential arts competitions.  Ms Ramoswaane raised disquiet towards the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture officials in the Ghanzi district saying that there have on several occasions denied the local dance group to register for presidential day completions.

She said Bakgalagadi like other ethnic groups have a unique dance that makes them stand out from the rest, therefore there is need for them to be awarded a platform to showcase their culture and heritage. 

Furthermore, President Khama pleaded with Batswana to be patriotic and appreciate the developmental strides that the country has made since  independence.

The country, he said, has become not only a beacon of peace but has at the same time made remarkable achievements in improving its infrastructure and citizenry alike citing the construction of the Charleshill – Ncojane road as a clear testimony of  the government’s commitment towards infrastructural development in the country. 

He also applauded the area Member of Parliament Mr Christiaan De Graaff for his performance during his reign as the Minister of Agriculture.  He explained that Mr De Graaff was not stripped of his ministerial duties as some people suggest but was released from those duties on medical reasons. Ends