07 Sep 2026

Culture is the foundation upon which Batswana can build a dynamic creative economy and a nation confident of its identity, Minister of Sport and Arts Jacob Kelebeng has said.

Kelebeng who graced the Dithubaruba Cultural Festival in Molepolole on Saturday, said the event was a reminder that heritage was not merely a memory of the past, but a strategic resource for shaping the future.

Held at Ntsweng Heritage Hub, under the theme: Unlocking Our Heritage; Transforming Our Destiny, he said the venue served as a national asset for cultural and creative growth.

“Ntsweng, a place of memory, resilience, and renewal. Today, it stands as a symbol of what is possible when heritage development is prioritised. The transformation of Kwa Ntsweng into a permanent cultural precinct is a milestone for Botswana,” he said.He said Kwa Ntsweng was aligned with government’s commitment to revitalise cultural infrastructure, expand creative spaces and build sustainable cultural tourism destinations.

The Minister was optimistic that once fully equipped and opened, Ntsweng facility would create new jobs, stimulate local enterprise and serve as a centre for cultural education. The facility is a community-driven development for both cultural preservation and realisation for the creative economy,” he said.

Kelebeng commended the Kgosi Sechele I Museum Trust and the Dithubaruba Organising Committee for their vision, which demonstrated that culture could not be celebrated as just a festival, but could strengthen communities and drive inclusive economic participation. 

He said while Botswana was rich in talent noting, musicians, dancers, poets, designers, filmmakers, crafters, and digital creators, he said theirs was not just hobbies, but an economic opportunity that could be harnessed through Cultural and Creative Industries.

Furthermore, Kelebeng acknowledged sponsors and partners for their symbolic support, which he described as transformational in helping build a living cultural economy that benefits artists, youth, communities and the nation.

 “That is visionary sponsorship and community revitalisation. Dithubaruba Cultural Festival builds cultural values, promotes environmental stewardship and national identity,” he emphasised.

He said culture taught and shaped values while strengthening unity within the communities. He therefore, urged traditional leaders and culture custodians to continue transmitting those values that drove family cohesion, respect for heritage, environmental conservation, and national pride.

He encouraged Dithubaruba patrons to continue building on the momentum and equally advised event organisers to benchmark globally, innovate and elevate the festival to international acclaim. 

“Let Dithubaruba be the mirror through which the world sees our collective spirit,” he said.

Prior to the official opening of the event, Kgosi Kgari III received Dikgafela from various wards of Molepolole.  ends