18 Jul 2017

Deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of  Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development says it would be an ill advice move by the nation not to thank and appreciate President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama for the contribution he made in the nurturing of artistic talent and cultural preservation.

Giving welcome remarks at President’s Day Traditional Dance and Dikhwaere Competitions held at SSKB on Sunday Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo, said the introduction of President’s Day Competitions by President Khama had since helped to preserve arts and culture.

Kaboeamodimo noted that since the inception of these completions in 2008, there had been an increase in the number of performing artists who interestingly had managed to grow over the time, while on the other hand some were able to hone their artistic skills and talent to a finer tune, a development which helped them to exploit and export their talent outside the country.

In this regard, Kaboeamodimo, who is also a cultural enthusiastic and a good polka dancer, said President Khama should be applauded for this good cause which had arguably resuscitated artistic and cultural spirit among Batswana.

He therefore urged Batswana especially the young generation to take part in these competitions as they do not only help to nurture arts and culture but also reward handsomely.

On another issue, Kaboeamodimo encouraged different competing groups to up their game so that the audience is not treated to same winning groups on yearly basis, as that may be a sign of regress.

One of the judges Pontsho Pule said as adjudicators they look at certain critical attributes and standards displayed by artists while on stage and therefore said artists should be mindful of what was required of them when on stage.

Pule, who was however impressed with the overall performance of the artists, noted that quite often artists tend to forget that their move and tap should be in synchrony with the song, adding that they should also have stage presence which will undoubtedly help to relay the massage.

These tenth edition of the competitions, which Kaboeamodimo said they would continue to be hosted even after the departure of their pioneer President Khama have, saw the SSKB great hall being filled to capacity as parents and children had come in large numbers to witness the cream of the country’s traditional dance and dikhwaere at their best.    

In the meantime those who scooped position one walked away with P30 000, followed by P25 000 for position two, P22 500 for third position while forth position was awarded P20 000.  

Under the Diware category position one went to Mathiachicho group from Kasane, followed by Kamberera from Etsha 6 then Thwayaza from Kasane while on the forth place was Mwayiyovora from Shakawe.

In the Seperu of Chobe category position one went to Chaakonchako from Kasane followed by Mbalakalungu from Parakarungu, Itenge from Mabele and Zwakaba from Mabele respectfully.

Underneath Seperu of North East position one went to Shigyakao from Gumare followed by Mavuashire from Ikoga, Diyathoteng from Ikoga and Tiwazini from Gumare. Hosana on the other hand had Tjilenje Tje Ngwao from Francistown at the top followed by Ngwao Letshwao from Gaborone, Mabutswapele from Gaborone and Kombelani from Francistown respectfully.

On the other hand in the Sebirwa category first position went to Re Tla Re Ke Dipitse from Bobonong followed by Moseka Phofu from Bobonong, Ba ga Mmanaana from Thamaga and Babirwa Cultural group from Gaborone.

Under Tsutsube first position went to Kgabosetso from Thamaga followed by Kuruaboo from Ghanzi, Molelo wa badimo from Kareng and Teemane from Orapa. Setapa category first position went to Matsosa Ngwao from Kasane, followed by

Khuduthamaga from Gaborone, Ngwao le Metlha from Serowe and Ishiqwapwa from Lehututu.

Meanwhile position one went to Kala Tsa Kgale from Selibe-Phikwe under Phathisi and position two went to Bana Ba Kwena from Molepolole, Tse Tolodi from Kasane got third position while position four went to Bajakhudu from Ghanzi.

Under Dikhwaere position from the top were as follows; Dintorokong near Metsimotlhabe, Mahusane from Kang, Fire Choir from Shakawe and Ntsu Ya Dikaka from Serowe.

Under polka first position went to Kalahari Dancers from Struizendam followed by Survivors from Ghanzi and Tre e Ding from Khawa and Gareng ga Dithota from Vaalhoek on the fourth position. BOPA