04 Jun 2013

Former Bobirwa MP, Mr James Maruatona says lack of market for handicrafts was a stumbling block to preservation of culture in the area.

Mr Maruatona said Bobirwa had priceless handicrafts commodities, which had potential to revive the Babirwa culture, but failure to penetrate the market for commodities would have a negative impact on efforts to revive the culture.

The former MP was a guest speaker at the Letlhafula food organised by Sebada cultural group in Bobonong on June 1. He said the activity should be an annual event to help Babirwa revive their culture and cuisine.

He commended the group for their efforts to revive the culture alluding that it could be used to empower societies through creation of employment. He commended women for being in the forefront in ensuring that culture was preserved.

Mr Maruatona said a lot of handicrafts were created by women although they did not receive the credit they deserved in preserving the heritage. University of Botswana social work lecturer, Mr Taolo Lucas said culture was the only force that had the ability to unite the nation irrespective of their political and religious affiliations. He challenged Babirwa to preserve their culture and language and expressed concern that many shied away from promoting it.

Mr Lucas urged the business community to support the event because Sebada cultural group had gone a mild to promote the culture.

The group chairman, Mr Given Kolobe said their objective was to revive culture which was dying in the area. Mr Kolobe said the group intended to make letlhafula an annual event.  ENDS