21 Aug 2018

Local traditional dance troupe, Kgabosereto continues to hoist Botswana’s flag high.

The group is in Montignac, France, from last month and is mesmerising the world with their unique dancing style and attire.

Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development representative, Brian Sitang said in an interview that the group has had endless performances and still had more lined-up to showcase Botswana’s culture to the world.

Sitang said the group was in France at the invitation of Festival de Montignac to take part in the 38^th edition of the international folk festival as well as participate in other festivals within France from July 7 to August 26.

He noted that the festival’s main focus was to get the world together through showcasing their cultures.

That, he said, was in line with UNESCO’s declaration for countries to develop their culture through such organised fora.

“An international organisation called CIOFF is coordinating the event, and encouragement was made for Botswana to consider applying for membership so as to reap the necessary benefits which include hosting such festivals,” he said.

He said the Montignac Festival office, as International Folk Festival organisers, extended participation of Kgabosereto Traditional Troupe to other festivals in other townships of France.

“These include Chambery, Le Puy, Felletin, Confolens and Cugand,” said Sitang. He explained that Kgabosereto had applied as a troupe to the ministry for funding.

“The group only had eight members, but individuals had to be added to the group to make a team for the festival hence their trip to France at a cost of P509 075 in air travel, visas and living allowances during the trip,” he said.

Sitang further noted that Botswana was the only African country participating at the festival.

However, he indicated that despite good hospitality, they encountered some challenges which included the tight performance schedule.

“Coordination of the dances has not been done swiftly as mostly the dancers were the ones deciding just before going on stage which dances to showcase Botswana culture,” he said.

Meanwhile, the group is expected to return after the festival ends on August 26. ENDS