25 Aug 2016

The annual Pula and Thebe festival was celebrated in style this year as the event attracted mostly artists and young people who were workshoped on different topics as compared to last year.

Last year, the audience was treated to traditional food, dance, songs and poetry and mini tournaments of traditional games and winners were awarded with prizes. But this time, various departments were invited to facilitate and discuss the lasting solutions to the challenges faced by the district and also share ideas  to stimulate the local economy.

The event organised by Thari-E-Ntsho Storytellers was celebrating its 40th anniversary and the main objective of hosting the event was to commemorate the inauguration of Botswana currency, Pula and Thebe which was introduced in 1976.

This years' theme was Pula Gateways to a green economy through eco cultural and Agric-tourism.

In an interview the coordinator of the event, Bontekanye Botumile said the event was fantastic and well went according to her expectations. She said this time she wanted the festival to be more interactive, informative and educative.

The event also acknowledged the local currency beyond monetary terms and heighten perceptions of Botswana's treasures in the form of skills and talent.

Botumile believed that a workshop was more appropriate as she explained that Ngamiland district used to be bread basket in terms of cattle rearing but currently the communities are overstretched because of the economic difficulties brought upon by a prolonged absence of beef market due to livestock disease outbreaks.

“I wanted people to take ownership of Pula and contribute to stimulate the economy in order to boost their livelihoods,” she added.

She revealed that this year, the event aimed to spread the message, entertain and provide a family friendly, balanced and structured environment that would leave the audience desiring for more.

Botumile also observed that the theme was relevant as it sensitised the community on how to put Pulas in their pockets through the establishment of business projects without destroying the environment.

Meanwhile, the event was supported by BOT50 to the tune of P15000. An official from the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture (MYSC), Gladys Kelebemang said they  supported the event because it coincided with the preparations of BOT50 and believed that it would pave way for the commemoration of the 50th independence.

She said MYSC also supported the initiative because it has an aspect of culture, tradition, and moral values.

Kelebemang noted that one of the ministry's role was to encourage and promote culture preservation hence their collaboration with the coordinator. Ends