10 Aug 2026

Long before speeches filled the Hukuntsi main kgotla last Friday, culture spoke for itself. Women dressed in vibrant leteisi attire made a grand procession into the kgotla with finely woven baskets balanced on their heads, carrying the season’s harvest. 

Melodious Setswana songs echoed through the gathering, while the rhythmic cracking of a sjambok announced the arrival of the harvest procession. 

The kgotla came alive with ululations as men and women in traditional attire welcomed the moment with pride.

Every song, step and woven basket reflected more than a successful harvest. It represented a living heritage passed down through generations.

The celebration, held under this year’s theme: Thobo ya Boleng e e Nonofileng, Ngwao le Boitakanelo,  reminded the community that Dikgafela was more than a thanksgiving ceremony. It is a celebration of Setswana identity, unity and the values that bind communities together.

In his welcome remarks, Deputy Chief Kgosi Keolopile Leipego said Hukuntsi introduced Dikgafela celebrations only last year to preserve and promote the community’s cultural heritage.

He explained the event was designed as a two-day celebration. The first day, he said was dedicated to the ceremonial presentation of the harvest, while the second focused on festivities through traditional song, dance and cultural performances.

Kgosi Leipego said he had anticipated a full kgotla, but noted attendance might have been affected by the recent Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. Restrictions led to the postponement and cancellation of many public gatherings.

Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism that the annual celebration would continue to grow as a platform for preserving Setswana culture and strengthening community bonds.

He also urged parents to bring children and young people to Dikgafela. 

“Their participation is important in nurturing an appreciation of farming, food production and cultural practices among the next generation,” he said.   

Farming, he added, remained a pathway to the future with potential to contribute to the country’s food security and reduce dependence on external sources. He encouraged youth to view agriculture as an opportunity for self-reliance, innovation and economic growth.

For young farmer, Tshepo Baumake, farming demands commitment, resilience and determination.

Baumake encouraged young people to take an interest in agriculture and learn from those already in the sector. 

“There is no way one can expect to reap the benefits of farming without investing the necessary effort,” she said.

She highlighted challenges including a shortage of tractors, which often delayed planting and affects yields. Despite this, Baumake said she has seen growth in her farming journey and urged aspiring farmers not to be discouraged by setbacks.

Senior Scientific Officer Kagiso Mpipi said this year’s harvest was affected by low yields due to unfavourable weather and pests.

He attributed reduced production to unreliable rainfall and an outbreak of witchweed, which severely affected cowpea production. He advised farmers to plant maize and other resistant crops to reduce the impact.

Mpipi also noted that the area’s sandy loam soils contain limited nutrients. He encouraged farmers to improve fertility by incorporating organic manure from kraals alongside inorganic fertilisers.

Kgalagadi North District Commissioner Veronica Rabakane called on Batswana to take responsibility in producing their own food. 

“Communities should work towards becoming suppliers rather than consumers,” she said. Rabakane encouraged farmers to take advantage of government programmes aimed at supporting agricultural development.

Acknowledging climate change, she said farmers must adapt and find ways to overcome environmental challenges. She urged young people to participate in farming and use innovation to improve productivity.

“The future of food security depends on collective efforts, resilience and the willingness of communities to embrace agriculture as a pathway towards sustainable development,” Rabakane said. ENDS