02 Jun 2026

In an age where civilisation and modernity often dominate, one may be forgiven for thinking that Kgalagadi culture has faded into memory.

Yet that rhetoric is erased the moment you witness the rich traditional dances that communities in the area still uphold with pride.

At Macheng Bushfire, the San healing dance and other indigenous performances stand as living proof that the culture is not dead, but alive, breathing, and passed on from one generation to the next.

Now in its 4th edition, held on Saturday the show prides itself on a signature ritual, ‘the healing dance around the fire’ called num dance in Sesarwa’ that brought an endearing spectacle, leaving revelers captivated.

The night programme culminated with the healing dance around the fire, performed by a beautiful collaboration of groups comprising different Basawa traditional dancing groups from D’Kar, Maake and Zutshwa.

Revelers watched in awe as the groups delivered an eye-catching, inspirational and spiritual performance.

This is where the group collaborate without having practices together, but they danced in oneness, moving on a seemingly same formation as if they have had rehearsed for years.

The dance encompassed singing and clapping around the fire while dancers brought in their classical performance in a circle for a full hour without stopping.

According to the dancers, the movement and heat induce a trance state called, kia, during which spiritual energy known as, num, is accessed to heal participants.

Chances are, festival-goers, even though they were not invited into the circle, could feel healing through spiritual touch themselves, creating an unforgettable moment celebrated in unity.

As a matter of fact, the num dance is not just a performance for revelers, but rather, the way of healing people and repairing the community. It is an ancestral, spiritual gathering where rhythm, song and movement come together to restore balance, promote healing and connect the community to their ancestors and natural world.

Around the fire, voices are said o rise in unity, feet beat the earth and generations old traditions come alive, reminding all of the deep wisdom of the Basarwa culture.

Kgosi Khama IV, of GaMmanagwato officially light the boom fire to pave way for the signature dance.

The lighting of the iconic Bushfire remains the hallmark of the annual event. More people graced this year’s event compared to previous editions, with visitors drawn from across the country and neighbouring countries.

Here music, culture and tradition took centre stage as Khama called for greater efforts to preserve and promote Botswana’s cultural heritage through community-led initiatives and cultural festivals.

Khama applauded organiser, Kabelo Moapare, for sustaining the event, describing it as an important platform for promoting tourism, celebrating cultural diversity and stimulating economic activity in Kgalagadi North.

He commended the festival oganisers for its commitment towards providing a platform where traditions are honored, shared and passed on to future generations.

Khama emphasised the need to safeguard Botswana’s cultural identity, noting that the Bangwato continue to uphold their traditions through mephato initiation ceremonies, Culture Day celebrations and traditional dance competitions. 

He announced that this year’s Bangwato traditional dance competitions will be held in Sefhare on July 4.

In a move aimed at fostering cultural exchange, Khama extended an invitation to a NamaStap cultural group from Kgalagadi North to participate in the celebrations.

The group will be selected by dikgosi and the area Member of Parliament. The group has also been invited to perform during the Sir Seretse Khama Day commemorations in Serowe on July 1.

He further encouraged organisers to continue enhancing the festival’s appeal, suggesting improvements to the bushfire spectacle to strengthen its uniqueness and attract more visitors in future.

For his part Member of Parliament for Kgalagadi North, Reason Lekutlane, commended played a significant role in uncovering and showcasing the rich cultural traditions and talents found in various parts of the country. He noted that such initiatives helped to strengthen national identity while creating platforms for local artists and cultural groups to thrive.

Lekutlane further emphasised the importance of continuing to support cultural festivals and community-driven events, saying they contributed to the preservation of Botswana’s heritage and provided opportunities for young people to nurture and display their talents.

The MP also acknowledged the contribution of traditional leaders, artists, and community members in ensuring that Botswana’s diverse cultural practices remained alive for future generations.

Festival activities began with a guided bush walk led by San community members, where participants moved through Kalahari vegetation, exploring nature while keeping fit and learning about the land.

In the afternoon, a motorcycle ride covered several Macheng villages including Hukuntsi, Lokgwabe, Tshane and Lehututu. ends