22 Oct 2025

Dinaletsana Cultural Promotions, a Molepolole-based academy that promotes Setswana culture, will host its inaugural honourary awards ceremony on October 25 at Yalots Guest House in Molepolole. 

The event aims to celebrate individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the preservation and promotion of Setswana culture.

Founder of Dinaletsana Cultural Promotions, Lebogang Mogotsi, said in an interview that the awards were the first of their kind in Botswana and would recognise both emerging and established talents in Setswana literature, music, and arts.

Mogotsi said there has been very little recognition for people who contribute to Setswana culture and therefore the awards appreciate and honour their efforts. 

Mogotsi explained that the ceremony will recognise children with outstanding talents in Setswana cultural expression, as well as legendary authors and poets who have made significant contributions to Setswana literature.

A decorated writer, Mogotsi, who has received multiple accolades in Botswana and across Africa said she felt honoured to be in a position to celebrate others who have done a sterling job in promoting Setswana heritage.

She emphasised that the awards will cater to children from primary school level up to youth aged 35, with 20 awardees already identified. 

She clarified that there was no competition involved in the selection process, as Dinaletsana believes that competition can sometimes narrow opportunities for other talented children. She added that Dinaletsana Cultural Promotions provides a platform for writers and poets to shine and gain recognition for their intellectual work.

The awards ceremony will also feature traditional music, dance, and poetry performances, highlighting Botswana’s vibrant cultural identity. 

Among those to be honoured are celebrated figures such as  Moroka Moreri,  MmaDikgomo Babina, and Dr Paula Otukile, whom  Mogotsi  said they contributed  immense  toward literature and cultural preservation.BOPA