26 Apr 2026

The Wayeyi Cultural Centre in Gumare came to life as multitudes gathered in one spirit in celebration of the Wayeyi culture on April 25.

This year’s festival lived upto expectations with audience wowed by performances of traditional dances of Seperu and Kharakhara from various local groups and also from Namibia.

Shighyakao and Tiwazani of Gumare, Nyinamwere of Jao, and Khwexini from Namibia gave attendees a taste of Wayeyi cultural dances.

Officiating at the event, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ignatius Moswaane paid tribute to the Wayeyi forefathers, who played a pivotal role in cultural preservation and heritage from generation to generation.

Moswaane also commended pioneers of the annual festival, which ensured cultural revival and celebrations of their identity.

The celebrations, he said promoted unity among the Wayeyi in Botswana and those in the neighbouring Namibia who traversed annually to be part of the festivities.

He said the Wayeyi were able to strengthen their traditions and the value of Bogosi through such gatherings.

The government, he said supported equality of all tribes in the country and indigenous languages citing introduction of languages as Shiyeyi in the national radio and television, adding that the current administration was aware of the pending issue of total recognition of the Wayeyi Kgosi.

Speaking of behalf of Wayeyi Kgosi Jacob Seidisa, a representative, Tsholofelo Bankgotsi opined that the cultural festival was a platform for remembrance and renewal for Wayeyi people.

Further, he said it was a testament of the Wayeyi people's resilience in preservation of their cultural identity and language as they survived challenges faced by their forefathers which could have led to the distinction of their culture. ENDS