28 Aug 2026

Mophato Dance Theatre is set to leap into a major double milestone as Botswana counts down to its 60^th Independence anniversary.

The acclaimed troupe is marking 15 years of reshaping national contemporary dance with a powerhouse production titled: CHABA, running from September 1 to 5.

For a decade and a half, Mophato has woven the country’s heritage into dynamic motion through modern classics like Pula, The Musical, Thari, Inyaya, Borwa and Teemane. 

Their signature blend of rich local folklore and expressive contemporary movement has not just captivated home audiences, it has taken Batswana culture across global stages in Tokyo, China, the UK, Norway, Germany, South Africa and New York.

Short for Sechaba, meaning ‘the nation,’ CHABA serves as a vibrant collage of Mophato’s past works while acting as an energetic artistic curtain-raiser for the country’s Diamond Jubilee. Founding director, Andrew Kola says this is a deeply personal showcase, celebrating 15 years of growth in movement, narrative and artistic maturity. 

The production echoes the famous words of Botswana’s founding president, Sir Seretse Khama ‘A nation without culture is like a nation without a soul.’

Bringing a showcase of this scale to life requires immense heart and hustle. As a self-funded venture, the show’s budget sits between P400,000 and P500,000. 

Despite the financial squeeze, the crew relies heavily on ticket sales to sustain rehearsals and keep the dream alive. 

Beyond the stage, Kola remains committed to nurturing his cast. Through strategic partnerships, including study opportunities with the Chinese government, Mophato dancers continue to build global careers while being encouraged to choreograph solo works and step into their own creative confidence.

Tickets for CHABA are currently on sale at P250 for a single ticket and P450 for a double ticket, offering Batswana a front-row seat to 15 years of world-class storytelling live at the Gaborone Main Mall. . ENDS