07 Aug 2017

The Kuru Dance Festival does not only promote and preserve culture, but also international understanding, says former vice president, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe.

Speaking at the 19th edition of the dance festival at  Dqae Qare Lodge on August 5, Dr Kedikilwe noted that the festival promoted cultural exchange and deepened manual understanding as it attracted international cultural groups and  visitors.

Dr Kedikilwe, who is a patron of Kuru Development Trust, said the festival was a step towards the “global village concept,” adding that the concept would help address environmental and conservation issues engulfing the world.

“As a cluster, issues relating to natural resources would be easily discussed,” said Dr Kedikilwe.

He noted that international co-existence was inevitable, adding that “to move forward, we need each other.”

He urged the Kuru Development Trust committee to continue celebrating cultural diversity, saying it was the foundation on which the country was build, and that it contributed to the peace and tranquility the country was enjoying.

Dr Kedikilwe also urged the Kuru community to take part in the organisation of the festival, saying without their involvement, their efforts would be fruitless.

Head of marketing and corporate relations at Barclays Bank Botswana, Ms Duduetsang Molly said they were happy with their partnership with the Kuru Development Trust, adding that cultural diversity was important in every human development.

She said their bank depended on the success of communities, and that they found it appropriate to invest in community events such as the Kuru Dance Festival.

She noted that they had been in partnership with the trust for three years, and that they had proved to be trustworthy and organised.

Kuru Development Trust board of trustees chairperson, Mr Arone Johannes said the trust would continue using the elderly to pass culture to the upcoming generations using  platforms such as the dance festival. ENDS