15 Sep 2019

Kgosi Puso Gaborone of Batlokwa has urged Batswana to teach their children culture and celebrate it.

Kgosi Puso, who is also Ntlo ya Dikgosi chairperson, said this at the annual Mafifatshwana cultural festival hosted at the Batlokwa Development Trust (BDT) grounds on Saturday.

He stressed the importance of recognising, preserving and passing the rich cultural heritage to young generations for the sustenance of any tribe.

The event was held under the theme: Ngwao bontle jwa setshaba and Kgosi Puso said the theme was relevant as it was in the best interest of each and every tribe to take pride in its own roots.

He said he was impressed that most of the exhibits in different stalls truly reflected the Batlokwa culture.

“We also display our passion for learning from other cultures. We support cultural exchange initiatives because that unites us as a nation,” he said.

Kgosi Puso said cultural development could contribute massively to the socio-economic development of Botswana.

He encouraged young Batlokwa people to take up culture and heritage which could turn into a reputable source of income.

He said Tlokweng had historical heritage sites that could bear economic benefits.

Giving a keynote address Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) investment manager, Bigani Setume applauded Batlokwa for the efforts in organising the ninth edition of the festival.

She said this reflected a people in love with their culture.

Setume said many countries were not gifted with a rich cultural heritage like Botswana thus urged Batlokwa to turn this into a viable business venture.

“This should be your product. Our mandate as BTO is to woo tourists, diversify our economy and culture and heritage is the correct path to do so.

We support your dreams going forward,” she added.

Setume said she was impressed that the envisaged tourism development project along the Notwane River had been given thumps up.

She said the project would give Tlokweng a new shape and outlook.  She, however, pleaded with BDT to become a credible organisation that could be trusted by the tribe.

“Feedback is important. Consultation is key. Ask for advice and remember that youthful participation is vital.

Let this create wealth for sustainable development,” she said.

The cultural festival attracted a good number of guests including different tribal leaders around the country.

Different cultural music groups kept the audience entertained. There was also poetry and dikhwaere. ENDS