12 May 2013

The Department of arts and culture in collaboration with Nata/Gweta constituency will hold national culture day commemoration on May 21 in Nata. 

Speaking at the preparatory meeting in Nata recently, the principal culture officer, Nakiso Kubanji, said the purpose of the commemoration was to give the community an opportunity to revive, promote and dialogue on their cultural heritage. 

She said the occasion would also serve as a platform for exchange of information on aspects of culture which would lead to the appreciation and respect of culture. Consequently, the community would be informed on the role of culture in socio-economic development, hence attainment of their national objective of a tolerant, proud and united nation.

The theme for the event was: Culture is My Business. Kubanji said the theme was set to address and encourage all Batswana, to take responsibility and ownership of promoting and safeguarding their cultural heritage. 

In addition, she said it sought to advocate for the inclusion of culture as an integral sector in all spheres of development.

 The theme also persuaded the business community, civil society and the private sector to consider cultural industries as a fundamental contributor in the diversification of Botswana’s economy.

Therefore, the challenge was to identify and develop potentials of their culture that would ensure economic diversification in line with Vision 2016 pillars.  ENDS