30 Aug 2022

Multitudes of people from all walks of life are expected to descend the Bakwena’s capital territory Molepolole this Saturday for the iconic Dithubaruba Cultural Festival following a two-year hiatus, owing to COVID-19 pandemic.

This year the organiSers of the cultural spectacle have promised revellers a fun-filled day with entertainment galore as more than 25 groups are expected to perform.

Kweneng’s best traditional dance troupes led by Dipela tsa-ga Kobokwe, Kwena Madiba and Bana ba Kwena are expected to headline the spectacle showcasing Borankana jwa Sekwena.

Dr Vom of Tsaya Thobane fame, Mma Ausi, Cultural Speers an Ditiro Leero, among others, are some of the renowned artistes expected to dish out live performances on the day to keep the crowds entertained.

The culinary highlight for the day will be an assortment of traditional cuisine on the menu for the hungry guests and revellers including home brewed traditional beer to quench thirst  for beer drinkers.

Those with a fashion sense will strive to wear their extravagant traditional outfits, mostly African attire or German print to be spot on with the theme; Ngwao Boswa: ga e ke e Phetsolelwa Nageng, which seeks to restore Bakwena’s culture and heritage.

The event coordinator and Kgosi Sechele I Museum curator, Power Kawina said in an interview that other traditional groups from South Africa and Namibia, led by their traditional leaders, were expected to take part in the cultural festivities on Saturday as they too formed part of Bakwena culture in the diaspora.

He also said the magnitude of the event this year was anticipated to be huge as it was expected to stimulate the local economy and boost the area’s tourism activities from the spill-offs of the main event.

He said so far about 30 corporate and private stalls had  been purchased, saying this was the largest number since the inception of the event during its formative years.

The main event was preceded by a heritage walk and excursion on Saturday, where walkers were invited to sight-see beautiful sceneries at Ntsweng Heritage site commonly known as Ga Mmakgosi down to the kloof (Lekadiba), a natural ravine located in the Tshwaanyane hills.

The place hosts a permanent stream that winds its way through the kloof, which has made it an attractive location for past settlers and today’s tourists.

During the excursion walkers saw the archaeological remains of roundavels and family compounds, which were possibly once part of the Bakwena capital of Ntsweng occupied between 1864 and 1934.

Walkers also visited a monument of the early missionaries, particularly London missionary Rodger Price and his family.

Price, who settled in the area between 1866 and 1884 is said to have married David Livingstone’s sister-in-law Elisabeth Moffat and settled in the area with his family.

The remains of the stone walls surrounding their house can still be seen today as can the small cemetery of some of the missionaries laid to rest there.

Walkers also had an opportunity to climb up the cliff commonly known as Legaga-la-ga-Kobokwe from whic,h according to oral history, public executions were performed.

The missionaries built a dam close by to water their orchard.

Kawina said this year’s walk was purposefully designed to offer participants a special edutainment treat and window of opportunity to appreciate and explore the exquisite flora and fauna, the rocky landscape as well as places of historical and cultural prominence.

For his part, the chief walker, Kgosi Kgari III said besides the walk being a fitness exercise to some, it was also meant to educate those who had come to appreciate and learn more about the Bakwena’s rich cultural heritage.

He, therefore, urged the general public to come in large numbers on Saturday and support the initiative as well as take part in the festivities.

One of the walkers, Tshwanelo Matlhabaphiri said the walk was a wonderful experience.

“I have never been to Lekadibeng, it was good to learn  the history and it was exciting to go and see Legaga-la-ga-Kobokwe,” she said, adding that what made the walk all fun was the history behind all the places they went to.

She also acknowledged that it was a tough trail, which made it fun and challenging at the same time.

Dithubaruba Cultural Festival is slated for Saturday at Molepolole Sports complex soft ball pitch.

Kgosi Maruje III is expected to officiate at the event.

Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament and others from the political divide as well as international organisations and NGOs are also expected to grace the event. ENDS