11 Jul 2022

The much anticipated Mmakgodumo Cultural Festival billed for October 24 will not take place to pave way for Kgosi Malope II’s wedding and coronation celebrations. 

Kgosi Malope II wedding ceremony is billed for September while his 10 years coronation as the chief of Bangwaketsi, will be held on October 5 and 7 respectively.

The organisers of the annual event, Bathoen Trust Chairperson, Nwofia Dinake shared in a Kgotla meeting in Kanye on Friday.

 “After a careful deliberation and discussions the trust came up with the unanimous decision to cancel the event as a way of paying respect, honour, solidarity and support for those upcoming ceremonies.

He said the decision was taken to enable smooth coordination of the events, and enable the organisers to hold successful events without any hindrance. Dinake however assuraed the attendants that the festival return back next year, bigger and better On the progress update of the Bathoen Trust, he said they have reviewed the constitution, adding that the trust has been newly registered with the constitution having been approved by the Registrar of Societies.

He said though their term in the office ended in 2021 they were unable to hold elections due to COVID-19, hence the community decided to extend their stay until the submission of the audit report.

 It would be until then that the election for the new committee will be made. Dinake made a promise that the audit report will be completed before the end of the year, adding that progress was visible as they have made valuations of most of the assets belonging to the trust.

He noted that, due to mismatch of interests the trust has had to forgo an agreement which they had initially made with Regal Point Company, interested in building a Hotel at Mmakgodumo Gardens.

The chairperson further said they were currently being assisted by Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO), who had since appointed Moralo Designs Consultants to assist with the feasibility studies and business plan for the trust.

He said with the appointment of the consultant they remain resolute that the trust will benefit from its heritage, adding that the studies will also unearth the potential and capacity that the trust possessed.

“We thank President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, who after a tour in our village, have since engaged BTO to assist us identifying the types of business that can be done in our village as a way of improving tourism,” he said.

Dinake expressed concern over some youth who tarnished the reputation and image of the Trust over social media platforms, adding that such actions has capacity to discourage potential clients.

He therefore pleaded with Bogosi to assist on such matters, including those who steal and damage properties especially at Mmakgodumo Dam.

Bangwaketsi deputy paramount Chief, Kgosi Kebapetse Telekelo said it was important to take of the trust property.

 He said theft and vandalism continued to thwart efforts made by the trust. Kgosi Telekelo therefore pleaded with the resident not to harbor such criminals, and to report perpetrators either at the kgotla or nearest police station.

He also  appealed to the residents to forward their ideas and advises to the consultants based on the available tourism attraction and the types of businesses that they wanted.

Residents were pleased with the update from the trust committee and commended them for the efforts made so far towards the development of the trust.

They also advised that the consultants should consider retaining the natural resources and not to destroy the natural habitat while embracing developments. ENDS