28 Aug 2025

Ukhwi is eagerly preparing to host its first-ever Ukhwi O Qhuqhayo 2025 Cultural Festival this Saturday, at the scenic Ukhwi Pans. The festival, whose name in Sesarwa means ‘Ukhwi is on Fire,’ promises a vibrant celebration of local arts, culture, and tourism, set to attract more revellers

Event organiser Lucky Modise shared in an interview that the festival aimed to position Ukhwi as a distinctive destination for adventure and cultural enthusiasts alike.  “This event is about showcasing our rich heritage while promoting tourism in the region,” he explained.

Preparations will kick off on today with tent pitching and scenic photography sessions capturing Ukhwi’s stunning sunsets and sunrises. The evening will feature poetry readings and a resident DJ to set a festive tone for the weekend.

Saturday’s programme is expected to be lively and diverse, beginning with a music festival headlined by South African group Beat Spirit and a performance by Music of Life.  Traditional performances including Tshutsube, Namastap, Polka, and poetry will also feature, offering attendees a rich tapestry of music, dance, and storytelling.

“The day will extend into a late-night groove, with DJ sessions and spoken word performances,” Modise added.

Visitors, he said would  have an opportunity to partake in a guided Ukhwi Village Tour, highlighting the village’s scenic beauty and its strategic position as a gateway for off-road adventures toward the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Namibia.

Modise emphasised that the festival aligned with government’s tourism development strategies, particularly for the Kgalagadi North district. 

“Ukhwi O Qhuqhayo is part of a broader vision to develop sustainable tourism and cultural projects in the area,” he said.

The event is being organised by Ukhwi O Qhuqhayo, a non-profit formed by hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers dedicated to fostering eco-tourism and cultural preservation. 

The organisers, most of whom are Botswana citizens, including a native of Ukhwi, are currently funding the event themselves.

Long-term, Modise said the festival aimed to grow into a world-class music and arts event that could rival Africa’s top festivals, while also ensuring environmental sustainability. The Ngwaa Khobe Xera Trust, representing the villages of Ukhwi, Ncaang, and Ngwatle, has partnered with the organisers to support the initiative.

Modise said proceeds from the festival would contribute toward developing a stopover campsite at Ukhwi Pan, creating eco-tourism opportunities for the three villages. 

Described as ‘Makgadikgadi on a smaller scale,’ Ukhwi Pan’s rugged beauty is best accessed with vehicles like 4x4s and 4x2s. Government departments and parastatals have been invited to participate through exhibitions and information stands, fostering community engagement and service awareness.

Ukhwi Village Development Committee will also provide camping facilities, with fully equipped tents available for hire at P500 for two nights.  The event is more than entertainment; it is a platform for cultural preservation, tourism promotion, and community development.  ENDS