06 Aug 2024

Dithubaruba Cultural Festival has grown over the years and continues to add economic value to Molepolole.

Power Kawina, Curator of Bakwena Museum and organiser of Dithubaruba said in an interview that the annual event had brought a much needed difference in the village as Molepolole had become a hub of cultural activities.

He said Ntsweng heritage site had been tremendously developed and Dithubaruba had helped to lure tourists to the area, adding most service providers were sought locally.

More than 30 groups are to participate at this year’s edition.

 Kawina said close to a P1 million would be spent on the event such as payment of  groups that would be entertaining patrons.

“The event has also provided us with an opportunity to network and unite with other Bakwena living in South Africa and Namibia,” he said adding they also attend the Dithubaruba activities.

There will be a camp village to discourage people from travelling after the event and also to promote road safety by reducing the number of travellers.

Kawina said local businesses and informal sector including tourism facilities stand to benefit from the event.

Prior to the main event, the organisers of the event held a symposium where different experts discussed the traditional settlement patterns of Bakwena, and on Saturday a Heritage Walk was held through the places where Bakwena used to live, known as Mma Kgosi or Ntsweng.

For his part, Ezekiel Odubeng from Wame Waves, producers of Motswasele II, an  adaptation of a book by LD Raditladi, said they were happy to be part of the event.

Odubeng said they had engaged unemployed youths who were in the creative industry, adding they had made it an international production as they do not want to create a one-day production.

ABSA Life Chief Financial Officer, Kabelo Wakgomo, who are the sponsors of the event said the Heritage Walk was a good experience as it offered people an opportunity to learn about the historical settlement patterns of Bakwena. Ends