12 Dec 2023

 Community involvement is key in safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage, Bobirwa District Council chairperson, Mr Kgomotso Mmereki says.

“Therefore we should facilitate for awareness-raising on the importance of the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) among traditional leadership and local communities in the Bobirwa District,” said Mr Mmereki during the opening session of BDC full council, Monday.

The purpose of the convention amongst other things is to ensure respect for the ICH of the communities, groups and individuals concerned while also raising awareness at the local, national and international levels on the importance of the ICH, and ensuring mutual appreciation thereof.

Even though Botswana has established four district Intangible Culture Heritage communities being Kgatleng, Chobe, Gantsi and North East districts, Mr Mmereki said that it was important for Bobirwa District to participate in the implementation of this convention.

“Among these districts, two have inscribed their ICH elements on UNESCO list and have benefited from the ICH Fund for communities in their districts to better safeguard their ICH,” he said and called on all in Bobirwa to get involved in safeguarding ICH in the district.

While time was ripe for raising of awareness, the chairperson said it was also an opportune time to simultaneously facilitate establishment of Bobirwa District ICH committee.

Additionally, the chairperson suggested for identification and definition of ICH in the district with community participation.

Mr Mmereki was buoyed by his participation at the Inter-City Intangible Cultural Cooperation Network 9^th General Assembly held on November 10-14 in the city of Kozhikode, Kerala, India.

At the general assembly held under the theme; Celebrating Diversity. Preserving Heritage: Sustaining Intangible Cultural Legacy, mayors, experts and cultural practitioners around the world gathered to reflect on their collective commitment to safeguarding and nurturing ICH, he said.

As a result, the Bobirwa District Council chairperson felt it was therefore important for the local authorities to be involved in safeguarding ICH as they are closer to communities.

Botswana ratified the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the ICH in 2010. 

Botswana hosted the 18^th session of the inter-governmental committee for the safeguarding of the ICH from December 4-9 in Kasane.

It was from this convention that Bobirwa District Council  chairperson derived inspiration to set in motion safeguarding of ICH in his district. ENDS