02 Oct 2025

Tse DItona tsa Kalawa traditional dance group from Tutume and Maatswakgosi Ensemble from Palapye are joint champions of the maiden Traditional Song and Dance Competitions for districts under Ga-Mmangwato territory.

The two groups were tied at first position and each walked away with P30,000 prize money after winning a fierce competition that left revelers asking for more and eating from the palm of their hands. Tse Ditona tsa Kalawa showcased some exceptional performance of Ikalanga traditional dance, Hosana to the excitement of the night crawlers that had packed Serowe College of Education Hall to burst while Maatswakgosi Ensemble performed a Setswana traditional dance, Setapa that left fans on stitches.

Khoisan Traditional dance group from Boteti District scooped position three, walking away with P10,000 after performing an indigenous Sesarwa dance, Tsutsube that left revelers ululating following a sterling performance.

Adjudicator of Traditional Song and Dance Competitions, a Senior Lecturer at Serowe College of Education, Phenyo Moatlhodi said the adjudication process was considerate about basics in live performances and uniqueness of the groups.

He said following a rigorous and careful adjudication, two groups, namely Tseditona tsa Kalawa traditional dance group and Maatswakgosi Ensemble, were tied at the top after each scored 92.3 per cent, therefore both getting the zenith spot. Khoisan Traditional dance group settled for third spot after collecting 77.6 per cent.He expressed delight that the competition was top notch.

For her part, Gase Kediseng, Secretary for Culture and Heritage Executive Committee said the maiden competition kickstarted an event that would be held annually. Furthermore, she said the competitions were organised by Culture and Heritage Committee of Ga-Mmangwato to promote culture and tradition within their territory.

Kediseng said the event was seen as a unifying factor for diverse ethnic groups that fell under Ga-Mmangwato territory. She said the committee picked cre’me de la cre’me from each district of the seven districts that fell under Ga-Mmangwato territory, thus leading to seven groups culminating Independence Day celebrations in Serowe in style.

Other districts that participated in the competitions were Mahalapye and Serowe both represented by Phathisi dance groups, Bobirwa showcased Sebirwa dance and Tonota sent a Tsutsube group.

Among other dignitaries, the event was graced by Kgosi Khama IV of Ga-Mmangwato, who is the patron of the Traditional Song and Dance Competitions. Kgosi Khama IV has embarked on a drive to promote culture and tradition in his area of jurisdiction, therefore using traditional song and dance competitions as a vehicle to achieve his vision. ENDS