29 May 2017

The Cresta Riley’s Hotel garden was turned into a beehive of cultural activities with attendants donning traditional regalia of various cultures on May 27.

The event, now on its fifth year, which celebrates culture, attracted the young and old alike.

An attendant, Hilda Morris said such events were worthwhile since they revived culture and made children appreciate traditional food no longer served in many homes.

Another attendant, Rose Pelekekae observed that attendance and entertainment had grown.

She however said the quality of the food was not as great as in 2015 when she first attended.

Cresta Riley’s official, Wame Masike appreciated the attendants who made the event a success by coming in large numbers.

“We are happy that we pulled a crowd, although there were many events happening today,” she said.

The food festival, she noted, was to celebrate the diverse cultures found in the North West region.

Masike said their plan was to make the food festival a part of the annual Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) calendar event next year if all the requirements could be met.

She also said the proceeds from the annual event would go towards helping the needy.

Letshego North West regional director, Kabelo Sethomo noted that Letshego sponsored the food festival with P25 000 for the second time as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility as well as to enlighten people about Letshego products.

Botswana Meat Commission Maun also sponsored the event with meat delicacies.

Entertainment included performance by Bayei and Hambukushu traditional dance groups, Ditsuatsue traditional group, legendary Stika Sola and traditional maestro, Gong Master as well Tshepang of My Star fame.

Revellers were treated to traditional cuisine that included, bogobe jwa lerotse, tswii, khadi, mberere, koko ya Setswana, magapu and ntshe, among many. ENDS