28 May 2018

The reigning phathisi traditional dance champions in the President’s Art Competitions, Kala Tsa Kgale Traditional Dance Group from Selebi Phikwe is doing well and impacting positively on the lives of young Batswana.

The group’s communications officer, Tshepho Tsela said the group had availed a platform for youth to showcase their talent.

Formed in 2011, Tsela said its aim was to unearth talent and to promote phathisi in the SPEDU region and Central District at large.

Tsela said employment creation formed part of their mandate since the performing arts had the potential to create employment and diversify the economy.

He said the group played a role in teaching good behaviour by influencing youth to stay away from crime, dagga and alcohol abuse.

“Our group has come to be recognised in the performing arts, especially traditional dance music,” he said.

Tsela said his group obtained position three in the President’s Arts Competition in phathisi traditional dance twice in 2013 and 2015.

He said the group improved its performance and obtained position two in 2016 and were crowned national champions in 2017, beating the more popular Dipela tsa ga Kobokwe.

He said their hard work opened doors for opportunities as invitations to perform at various events poured in and had performed in major events like SADC summit in Gaborone in 2015, International Language Day at

Lecheng in 2016, BOT50 celebrations in Gaborone and Independence Day celebration which were hosted by Botswana ambassador in Mozambique.

He said the group qualified to perform at the regional President’s Arts Competition to book their chance to advance to the nationals.

“Our vision is for our group to become a competent entertainment business entity in the performing arts arena,” he said.

He appealed to companies and individuals with interest to partner with them to come on board. ENDS