01 May 2018

Members of Southern African Telecommunications Association (SATA) had an opportunity to experience the rich Ngamiland culture during their three-day stay in Maun, courtesy of the host, Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet).

The spectacular cultural night was held at Maun Cresta along the river bank with the audience sitting around a bonfire enjoying traditional songs from Maun popular DJ Big Pan.

The delegates from different countries were dressed in their unique cultural attires, while some tried the Setswana German print and as they arrived to the scene they were welcomed with a traditional beer known as khadi made from mogwana berries  and ginger drink for those who did not take alcohol.

Cultural enthusiasts were treated to a variety of snacks and dishes ranging from roasted ground nuts, bogobe, ditlhako, seswaa, phane, free range chicken, fish as well as watermelon.

However, the day could not be complete without a taste of Ngamiland traditional dance presentation by a troupe called Mashambakodi, which displayed beautiful performances with true African beat and their melody intriguing the audience.

When welcoming the audience to the ceremony, BOFINET chief executive officer, Mabua Mabua said the aim of the cultural night was to give visitors a glimpse of what the region offered in terms of culture.

He believed that their guests would be excited to experience the amazing food and culture of Botswana.

Visitors were also treated to a boat cruise.

Some of the audience could not stop praising Botswana for preserving its rich culture.

Most of the audience thanked BoFiNetfor the beautiful and well organised event, which they said could sell the country to potential tourists.

They explained in an interview after the event that cultural night was a wonderful initiative as it gave visitors an opportunity to embrace the culture of Ngamiland.

For his part, SATA outgoing chairperson, Petros Dlamini from Swaziland thanked BoFiNet for hosting the SATA conference.

He said it was great joy to be in Botswana after so many years as his last visit was in 1984.

He appreciated great developments in the country, noting that economy had grown and that the country’s currency Pula was strong.

Dlamini also thanked the government for its continuous efforts in creating an enabling environment for tourism activities. ENDS