23 Apr 2026

Culture and tradition will take centre stage today as Molapo Leisure Gardens in Francistown hosts the Motse wa Setso Cultural Festival, a vibrant celebration aimed at promoting Botswana’s rich culture and heritage.

Organised by the Francistown Cultural Ensemble, the festival brings together artistes, cultural groups and residents of Francistown, as well as people from across the country for a full day of music, dance, food and storytelling.

In an interview, the Chief Executive Officer of Francistown Cultural Ensemble, Ontiretse Bakaile said the event would be officiated by Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ignatius Moswaane, who would deliver remarks on the importance of preserving intangible heritage, alongside leaders and culture custodians.

In its third year running, the festival has grown in leap and bounds and Baakile promises a bigger and better instalment for this year.

Minister of Tourism and Environment, Wynter Mmolotsi, as well as Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroeaone Ntsima are among the dignitaries expected to grace the event.

Baakile said the presence of high-level government officials underscored the significance of the event in promoting cultural tourism and local governance through traditional affairs.

According to the organisers, the dwellers could look forward to live performances from local artistes such as Dr Vom, Charma-Gal, Chokoma, Ashley Gops, Francistown Cultural Ensemble, Shumba Ratshega, Madala and KellyJess, Swagger Lady, Bana ba bana ba Ntogwa, Tawana ya Koma, Tshipi Di Kopane and many more artistes.

Though it is a cultural event, the festival will appeal to fans of different genres as it has brought under one roof, artists from a variety of genres.

“Most people believe that cultural festivals should solely be about traditional and cultural music, but we have made a mix-up. We have invited the likes of Slindile and Bhona GNT to cater for those who love other genres,“ he said. ENDS