24 Sep 2017

Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Thapelo Olopeng has appealed to financiers to get involved in the promotion and sponsorship of cultural events so that they can sustainably benefit local communities.

Speaking at the Bot50+1 build up Independence Carnival march, Olopeng said over the years there had been growth in celebration of community cultural events such as Khawa Dune Challenge, Polka festival, Dithubaruba, Domboshaba, Mbungu wa Kathimana, Kuru Dance festival and many more across the country.

“This has resulted in the adoption of a national calendar of events, which seeks to promote cultural tourism and offers options for entertainment and enjoyment in various districts,” he said.

He saidfestivals did not only serve as tourist attractions, but also answered the call of diversifying our economy through various sectors.

Mr Olopeng noted that the purpose of the carnival march was to showcase the diversity of Botswana culture and creativity through a display of different types of visual and performing arts.

“The carnival also celebrates the culture of our international partners who live in Botswana through their foreign service missions. These public celebrations bring to the fore the knowledge and history of Batswana through music, dancing, costumes and the use of masquerades and other display,” said Minister Olopeng.

He indicated that the theme for the year’s celebrations is still United and Proud.

“As a nation we are proud of the blessings and peaceful existence of Botswana over the last 51 years as an independent and sovereign state,” he continued.

The carnival commenced at three different points; Gaborone West, Old Naledi and Tsholofelo, and traversed the different locations of Gaborone to finally converge at the main mall.

The event allowed the common public an opportunity to dance, take part in the street parade and enjoy the celebrations to the fullest as a big part of the show.

“I wish to thank all the partners and stakeholders who are part of the Bot50+1 celebrations particularly the foreign missions who have shared a display of their cultural heritage with Batswana.

I also wish to thank, in advance, the national organising committee for all the preparations for this year's independence,” he concluded.

The carnival saw entertainers such as Charma Gal, A.T.I and Mahempe thrilled the crowd.

There were also polka dancers, spantsula and cultural dancers of speru and others. ENDS