11 Feb 2024

A total of 20 participants from various ethnic groups across the country will take part in the 40-day competition dubbed Logaga lwa Ditiragalo #Ngwanakewarona cultural exchange competition.

The competition is set to preserve and rejuvenate some of the cultural practices that seem to be vanishing.

The event’s public relations officer, Emmanuel Boefelo revealed when giving an overview recently.

“Those who wish to participate in the competition must text the word ‘Logaga’ to the number 17272 - Mascom, Be mobile, and Orange network providers. The competition is open to individuals aged 18 to 55, and the selection process will run from March to August” he stated.

He said two of the participants would be individuals with disabilities who would be found through social workers and other pertinent stakeholders, with the remaining 18 participants being chosen through messages sent.

Boefelo said the competition would be held in two places that were yet to be identified.

Participants will be split into two groups of 10 people, housed in one area, kind of a big brother set up and will be expected to emulate and engage in traditional practices of the hosting ethnic group.

He said the winning group would receive P1 million cash price while the best participant would pocket P100 000.

Boefelo added said apart from the financial component to this competition, other goals include fostering cultural tourism, develop a platform for educational purposes, encourage understanding and tolerance of different ethnic communities as well as to emphasise that cultural customs were not just for the elderly to follow.

“We hope to foster some of the cultural practices, especially among the youth, as there is an assumption that cultural practices are for older people.  The competition will enable the youth to recognise culture as part of their lives and to feel a sense of belonging in spite of contemporary practices,” he said.

Boefelo said the competition was being well-prepared for with the goal to expand it and have it hosted in various areas across country on rotational basis. ENDS