01 Sep 2016

Mbaderu Youth Association of Botswana is busy raising funds to establish a cultural village in Sehithwa to promote the local culture.

The cultural village will showcase the Ovambanderu culture especially to the youth that seems to have lost track in as far as culture is concerned.

The facility will also provide a platform for job creation and also diversify the local economy away from the traditional cattle rearing. The association is appealing to the business community and individuals to pledge any kind of assistance towards the success of the project.

In an interview, the chairperson of the association, Mr Henda Uananisa said said they would review their fundraising progress at the upcoming annual congress billed for Francistown end of November.

Uananisa revealed that their first step would be to fence off the plot by building a brick wall due to its durability as opposed to wire-fencing. The next phase includes the erection of sanitation facilities and the installation of electricity and water, he said.

“We strongly believe that once we have these facilities on site, the plot can begin to be used as a camping site for individuals and tourists; hence more income for the subsequent phases of the centre,” he added.

Uananisa also said preliminary construction Plans were still undergoing constructive criticism by the various stakeholders as the association continues to address various community groups and prospective sponsors.

He was optimistic that, given the momentum they have established so far, come next year some initial developments and activities will be visible at the site.

However, the chairperson noted that efforts to raise funds were rigorous as recently they conducted a raffle at their annual cultural festival and managed to raise P15 000.

He pointed out that the project would establish a platform and an opportunity for economic emancipation for the unemployed youth and adults through trade prospects with their cultural artifacts.

In addition, he said it would become a leisure centre where young people would come and showcase their talents and avoid substance abuse that comes with idleness.

“It will also enhance social status as a community, which will go a long way in strengthening our lost pride of who we are. We want to show Mbanderu young persons that they can be proud of their language, customs and culture,” she pointed out.

The project coordinator Mr Kuvare Venjonoka said they wanted the facility to demonstrate the life of an ordinary Mbaderu person, as well as appreciate the importance of their flag.

He also appreciated some individuals who had already supported the project noting that some had pledged cows, goats and money.

However, the paramount chief of Ovambanderu from Namibia, Kgosi Kilus Nguvauva, who had graced the recent cultural festival organized by the association pledged 5000 Namibian dollars and also urged all the Ovambanderu traditional leaders to pledge P1000 each towards the success of the project which he said would promote community development.

He said the project would showcase Mbanderu cultural diversity here in Botswana and Namibia.

Kgosi Nguvauva called on the Namibian youth who attended the festival to benchmark and also establish the cultural village in their own country. ENDS