30 Aug 2017

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama is expected to officiate at this year’s annual Dithubaruba Cultural Festival at Ntsweng Heritage site in Molepolole on Saturday (September 2).

In an interview, Kgosi Sechele I Museum curator, Kawina Kawina said President Khama was also expected to perform the ground breaking ceremony for the development of the Ntsweng Heritage Site, which will among others host a museum.

He also said the event would also be graced by members of the diplomatic missions as well as senior government officials.

He said Dithubaruba Cultural Festival, which is the brain child of Kgosi Sechele I Museum, is meant to promote social cohesion among various ethnic groups in Kweneng by fostering intercultural dialogue.

He highlighted that this will create a leisurely time for the local community while at the same time promote understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultural practices in Kweneng region.

Kawina indicated that since the festival’s inception in 2007, it has grown in leaps and bounds and has supported and benefitted small scale businesses particularly the arts sector and catering businesses.

He said the festival also presented the community with an opportunity to discover the unique multi-cultural and multi-religious heritage of Kweneng.

“This cultural festival is a preservation that will ensure a sustainable future of the soul of Bakwena heritage, and we believe that in future it will play a strong role in building bridges and promoting mutual respect and understanding between Bakwena and the rest of the country,” he stressed.

Kawina also said the festival was in line with Molepolole Planning Area Development Plan draft, which advocates for developing the villgae into a cultural hub as it played an important role in contributing towards the attainment of one of the country’s national goals, that of being united and proud.

Kawina said the festival would also feature marketing and selling of handicrafts and that guests would enjoy cultural activities ranging from traditional songs and dance, poetry, traditional food and games. ENDS