03 Nov 2016

 Botswana’s diverse culture was recently displayed in Maun main kgotla.

The event demonstrated that mutual respect for each other’s way resulted in harmonious co-existence of various tribes.

And this time around Botswana’s diverse culture splendidly interacted well with those of other nations which were invited to showcase their ways of ideas, customs and arts such as the Americans, Namibians and South Africans thanks to the Maun International Arts Festival.

At this occasion the Mbanderu Youth Association of Botswana (MYAB) showcased Mbanderu culture.

The association showcased cultural instruments such as Ondjupa (segwana), facial makeups which are called Otjize (letsoko), and perfumes and explained more about their dresses, which left many artists from other nations so excited.

Speaking in an interview, The MYAB representative, Kavesire Matundu said their culture was rich as shown by their facial makeups (Otjize) and their perfume called otjizumba which she said are collections from their environment.

Matundu said otjize is a powder made from crushed rocks which is then mixed with oil from the cow milk called ongondivi, for it be like a lotion to make it easy to apply, adding that the mixture is applied into their different utensils and also on the face.

“Our facial makeup is used as sun protector and is good in making ones skin smooth, it has different colours like orange, yellow and red among them”, she said.

Matundu said they get their perfume from a certain plant which grows along the river which is called otjizumba.

The roots of the plant were crushed to make the powder which is then applied as a perfume.

She said the perfume has been used by the elders and now the youth are also using it though they have modernised it as they mix it with other modern powders to make it attractable to the youth.

For his part MYAB organiser, Kaihora Kambato hailed the government for supporting them through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development.

He said the ministry enabled them to understand better issues of cultural tourism and its benefits to their communities. ENDS