08 May 2016

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama’s support for activities such as Khawa Dune Challenge and Cultural Festival has ensured resuscitation of culture in amny areas.

Speaking during official opening of the polka night - one of the activities lined up for the Khawa festival on Friday - the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Vincent Seretse, said President Khama’s support was the reason polka dance and quad bikes races became popular. 

Mr Seretse said government supported initiatives geared towards reviving cultural heritage. 

Meanwhile, Botswana Tourism Organisation chief executive officer, Mr Thabo Dithebe said the event had grown in leaps and bounds.

He said in its first year, there were around 2 000 spectators, with a sizeable number of motor bikers, but that they had been registering more each year.

Mr Dithebe pointed out that the aim of the event was not only to attract and entertain spectators, but also to diversify the economy through tourism.

He said plans to develop a camp site in the area were on-going so that Khawa Trust could use it to accommodate tourists who passed by their village en-route to Kalahari Transfrontier Park. 

He thanked stakeholders who took part in making the event a success and the sponsors who made sure that participants got their money’s worth.

The event was characterised by, among other things, camel rides, helicopter rides, motor bike stunts and sky diving.

The Khawa community was treated to some breath taking fire works before proceeding to the festival where most of the DJs and artists out did themselves to entertain revellers.ENDS