18 May 2016

Batswana and cultural enthusiasts alike should brace themselves for the national culture day billed for Manyana this weekend. Kgosi Kebinatshwene Mosielele of Manyana relayed to BOPA on Monday that preparations are well underway for the two day cultural spectacle that promises to be an event to remember.

The day will be celebrated under the theme; Proud and United Nation through Culture.

“We are more than ready and will gladly welcome people from all over the country and outside,” he said adding that the event will kick off with a cultural night on Friday and end with main event on Saturday.

The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Thapelo Olopeng is expected to conduct the official opening on Saturday where the cream of Bahurutshe culture and other tribes that make up Botswana will be showcased.

Kgosikwena Mangope of Motswedi in South Africa will be the guest speaker while Area MP, Vice President and Patron of Manyana annual cultural festival, Mokgweetsi Masisi is expected to grace the pomp and fanfare filled spectacle.

Kgosi Kebinatshwene said the two day event will also characterise traditional cuisine and games. 

Gong Master and Topito are some of the local artists that will entertain cultural fanatics.

“My wish is to in future have this festival at Dimawe which bears cultural significance to our existence as a Nation. 

It was in Dimawe where numerous Batswana Merafhe battled and won a war against the Boers in 1852 under the command of Kgosi Sechele of the Bakwena,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kgosi Kebinatshwene is calling on government to consider assisting tribes across the length and breadth of Botswana to set up cultural schools where young adolescents will be drilled on Setswana culture and ethos.ENDS