15 Sep 2016

The University of Botswana (UB) recently held a culture day as a build up to the independence day.

Speaking at the event, UB’s director of careers and counselling centre, Dr Lucky Odirile said the annual commemoration was established in order to embrace and showcase the multiplicity and diversity of race, ethnicities and cultures represented in the university.

Dr Lucky said the significance of cultural diversity, as a value in society, was recognised in the international platform through the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity by UNESCO.

She also stated that the day marked celebration of the spirit of self-reliance, which eigned among Batswana.

“As many of you are aware, the university is what it is today as a consequence of ordinary Batswana taking it upon themselves to contribute what they could at the time through the motho le motho kgomo appeal,” she said.

In addition, she said UB acknowledged the need for increased research and analysis into the utility of the arts, as well as in terms of promoting social cohesion and strengthening intercultural relations.

In his remarks, musician and former UB student, Benson Phuthego, said tthe university was sending message to its students and visitors that cultural heritage was the greatest asset.

He also stated that there was need to condemn elements of tribalism, racism as well as xenophobia.

“We are all created in God’s image and likeness. It cannot be right that we still witness some ugly pockets of exhibitions of hatred and violence on fellow humans,” he said.

Phuthego challenged young people to know their identity saying they had powers to make the world a better place.

“While we celebrate this culture day, let us all remember our roots, our beliefs, our symbols our decorum and mould our behaviors in a way that will sustain our lives and serve as a model to those that are watching”. Activities included fashion parade, traditional dance and poems. ENDS