22 Aug 2022

 Government through the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture is currently lobbying for formation of a union to promote good governance and advice government on matters relating to culture.

The inception of the union has helped Jamaica, which has been able to preserve, promote and transform their culture, while positioning themselves into an attractive tourism destination, using history, culture and entertainment.

Member of Parliament for Kanye South, Dr Lemogang Kwape said this during Kgosi Malope II Cultural Festival, which was organised by Kanye Bulletin, an online newsletter, during the weekend.

The Show is part of some the ongoing fundraising activities and activation for the upcoming Kgosi Malope II’s 10 years coronation anniversary as Bangwaketse Kgosi  scheduled for next month.

Dr Kwape implored young people to trade with their natural talents to explore the immense opportunities that existed in the arts and culture industry.

He said the arts and culture industry was diverse, as such they still had some prospects that the youth could unlock.

Dr Kwape underscored that Bangwaketse had a rich culture that needed to be preserved and promoted, citing the unique values and traditions that are still being upheld such as bogwera and bojale, which date back to 100 of years ago, but were still being practiced.

“The arts industry, which incorporates music, dance, sports, poetry and many more is an industry where youth have and can ably earn a source of livelihood, thus ultimately become a formidable sector that can feed the national budget to exponential levels,” he said.

He shared that renowned artistes originated from ga Ngwaketse, which he said was an indication that the tribal territory was endowed with abundance.

He cited Letsile Tebogo, Botswana sprinter, who won gold at the 2021 World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi, and became the first Botswana athlete to win a gold medal in a 100 meter race to be from ga Ngwaketse.

He implored other youths to emulate such ideals and become catalysts of change as well as agents of economic and social transformation.

Dr Kwape said it were such ideals that made Bangwaketse unique and special as they could easily be recognised for their cultural identity and heritage.

He said one of his key priorities as a Member of Parliament for Kanye South was dedicated and committed to the promotion and preservation of culture through development of tourism by utilising natural rich heritage that existed in ga Ngwaketse.

He appreciated the crucial role played by some individuals towards improving cultural tourism, citing Tla O Robe Sogo event, which was held last year November.

“Last year we hosted a very rich, fully packed package which was full of activities such as traditional dance, horse riding, canoeing, and choirs with the aim to ensuring that Kanye becomes a cultural heritage as it has long been known in the past.

We, therefore, need to explore other products that assist in ensuring that Kanye also becomes a tourism destination,” he said.

He urged the youth ‘as the future generation’ to work hard and resuscitate, promote and preserve culture.

The area Member of Parliament expressed happiness that ga Ngwaketse comprised of other tribes such as Bangwato, Batswapong, Bangologa, Bakgwatlheng, whose cultures could also be explored.

Sharing the event’s overview,  the organising committee member and Former Member of Parliament, Otlaadisa Koosaletse said the event was held to raise funds for the upcoming events, notably Kgosi Malope II wedding ceremony and his 10 years coronation anniversary as Bangwaketse kgosi.

Apart from rasing funds, he said the festival was held to celebrate Bangwaketse rich tradition and culture, which had been upheld over the years due to Kgosi Malope II’s efforts.

“There are some notable milestones that we have achieved under the leadership of Kgosi Malope II over the 10 years since becoming our leader, which includes the reintroduction and revival of bogwera and bojale,” he said.

Koosaletse stated other achievements to be his securing a position as the deputy chairperson of Ntlo ya Dikosi, which he said was a demonstration of his commitment not only to serve his people, but the entire nation.

The event started off early in the morning with a sponsored walk, which was graced by the Minister of Entrepreneurship, Karabo Gare, Dr Kwape and other dignitaries.

Despite a low turn up, most artistes in the line-up consisting of  the likes of Gong Master, Mmaratwa, Maswaila Thota, Tawana ya Koma, Swailaman and  Kuka la Setso managed to grace and perform at the event.

The veteran kwasakwasa legend, Franco, was present, but did not perform due to some logistics on the part of the organiser, while Ditiro Leero did not make it to the event due to other engagements. ENDS