23 Aug 2016

Maun people gathered at the main kgotla in song and dance to mark the beginning of a weeklong festivities of Maun centenary celebrations on August 22 .

The celebrations were officially opened by the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs Edwin Batshu. Known for its stature as the gate way to the tourism destinations in the North West region as the Okvango Delta, Maun has a significant touch of history.

Maun was established as the capital of Ngamiland district in 1915 under the chieftaincy of Kgosikgolo Mathiba I and therefore 2015 marked 100 years of Maun as the headquarters, prior to that the headquarters of the Batawana were in Toteng, then Tsau before settling in Maun in 1915.

The centenary celebrations were postponed in 2015 to this year at 101.

Officially opening the event, Minister Batshu highlighted the significance of documentation of the history of the Maun people and appreciation of their existence as a diverse culture and recognition of the dikgosi who were the custodians of the people prior to the establishment of political leadership in 1965 amongst others.

Batshu said it was imperative to celebrate unity of the tribes found in the area as the Batawana, Basarwa, Baherero, Bambukushu, Bayei, Baherero, among others.

He said the 100 years of existence proved that their forefathers valued unity, peace and upheld cultural diversity.

Culture, he said was a gift from God evidenced by people of diverse language, dress, traditional dance and food.

The centenary celebrations, he said should be a reflection to the people of Maun and a chance for them to envision where they want to see Maun going forward.

Batshu also said it was worth appreciating the former business owners such as the famous Spyros who invested in Maun when the village had nothing much to offer businesswise.

He noted that Maun started from nothing and grew over the years with the catapulting of the country's economy; the realisation of the mining sector and the tourism sector.

Batshu observed that 2016 was a year of historical significance with Botswana's Jubilee celebrations and Maun's centenary proved the village was older than Botswana.

In her welcome remarks, Batawana Regent Kgosi Kealetile Moremi said the centenary celebrations started with a combined church service held on August 21 which was a success. Ends