10 Sep 2024

The Dithubaruba Cultural Festival is a celebration of the Bakwena’s rich history and vibrant culture. The festival offers visitors a chance to experience traditional music, dance, poetry and food, while also providing an opportunity to engage in lively discussions and activities that promote intercultural understanding. 

The annual cultural festival serves as a powerful symbol of unity and connection for the Bakwena from neighbouring countries. Participants from South Africa and Namibia, in particular, have been consistently gracing the event, drawn by the strong ties to their shared heritage and identity as Bakwena. 

They see the event as a homecoming, a place where they can reconnect with their origins and experience their traditions in their purest form. Saki Malawa, a Mokwena from Bethany in South Africa, spoke about the significance of the Dithubaruba Cultural Festival for himself and his people.

 Led by Kgosi Mogapa, they have been consistent in their attendance, recognising the event as a powerful symbol of their shared history and identity as Bakwena. Malawa highlighted the importance of preserving their culture and tracing their roots back to Bakwena-ba-ga-Sechele in Molepolole. Malawa shared that, along with other Bakwena groups from South Africa such as the Bafokeng and Bakwena ba-ga-Moletji, they viewed the Dithubaruba Cultural Festival as a unique opportunity to reconnect with their cultural heritage. 

“Our culture in South Africa has been westernised, and this festival is a rare chance for us to learn about our traditions in a more authentic setting,” he stated. Malawa expressed gratitude towards the tribal elders and dikgosana who have made the effort to teach them about Sekwena poetry, traditional dance, and dikgafela, providing a window into their rich culture. 

He said the elders had also expressed the view that, if possible, revisiting traditional practices such as bojale and bogwera could be a meaningful way to share their traditions with other Bakwena residing in other countries. 

Tshepo Mogapi, hailing from Brits in the North West province of South Africa, spoke about his pride in being a Mokwena. 

He praised Bakwena in Botswana for their unwavering commitment to preserving their heritage, expressing his admiration for their ability to maintain their identity and way of life.  

Mogapi emphasised the deep connections between Bakwena in North West and Gauteng provinces of South Africa, and those in Botswana, citing their shared language and cultural traditions. 

“Attending this festival feels like coming home. We speak the same language, eat the same food, and share many traditions. It’s a reminder of our shared history and our deep connection to each other,” he said. 

He urged fellow Bakwena from other regions to visit Botswana and take part in the festivities, expressing his hope that the next generation of Bakwena would learn about and cherish their culture. 

The director of Alliance Française, Angélique Saverino, was a first-time attendee at the Dithubaruba Cultural Festival. 

She expressed her delight in being able to witness the various cultural dances and expressions on display, as well as the positive atmosphere and colourful traditional outfits. 

She emphasised the importance of cultural diversity, stating: “We want to promote not only French culture, but also the culture and language of the country we are based in. The Dithubaruba Cultural Festival is a fantastic way to showcase the rich heritage of Botswana and share it with the world”. 

Saverino further described the Dithubaruba Cultural Festival as a ‘cultural landmark’ that should not be missed. 

“The event is a celebration of the vibrant culture and traditions of Batswana, showcasing their music, dance, and cuisine in an exciting and engaging way. I strongly encourage people from all over the world to come and experience this wonderful event for themselves,” she said. 

The Dithubaruba Cultural Festival continued to live up to its reputation as an event that draws in visitors from all over the world. 

This year’s festival saw an impressive turnout of visitors from Europe, China, India, and other nations, all eager to experience the vibrant culture of Botswana. 

It was also graced by a number of dignitaries, including the American Ambassador to Botswana, Howard van Vronken, the High Commissioner of Namibia, Loinde Paulus, and the diplomat from Eswatini, Nonhlanhla Nkambule. 

The festival was also attended by prominent local figures, including ministers, Kgosi Malope II and Kgosi Oscar Mosielele, Kgosi Prince Dihutso ENDS