08 Sep 2019

The President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, says Dithubaruba Cultural Festival has potential to reach international standards, thereby attracting more tourists.

Speaking during the 13th annual Dithubaruba festival in Molepolole on September 7, the President said the event had grown tremendously over the years, but there was still room for more growth.

He called upon organisers to up their game in advertising the event in order to attract more partners and international audience.

Dr Masisi promised support saying government would provide funding through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, but urged organisers to also solicit more funds from elsewhere.

Bakwena from South Africa participated in the event, something that Dr Masisi said showed Dithubaruba had potential to attract more sponsors and partners.

He said youth had capability to market Dithubaruba through the digital space and therefore should be engaged.

He said the event could also establish Molepolole as a cultural hub, adding that the festivities should cover all aspects of Bakwena culture such as traditional weaving and basketry as well as food.

This, President Masisi said, would result in added value to the Molepolole business community since there would be more activities for tourists to attend to other than the Dithubaruba festival.

For his part, Kgosi Kgari Sechele III of Bakwena urged Batswana to uphold peace and unity during the general election period.

He said the country should remain peaceful and united, adding that their role as dikgosi was to safely guard the peace that had sustained Botswana since independence.

Kgosi Kgari said cultural and political differences should not negatively affect the country. ENDS