22 Sep 2024

The 7^th edition of Mmakgodumo Cultural Festival penciled for October 12, is set to be a cultural exchange programme between Bangwaketse and Basotho.

Giving an overview of the upcoming event in Gaborone Thursday, the secretary general of Bathoen II Trust, Taolo Mogobe said Bangwaketse and Basotho had always shared mutual relationship in different entities adding that there was need to strengthen the ties for a continuous benefit of both tribes.

“Our mother, Mohumagadi Mma Malope II is from Lesotho, technically we are a family, and we have come a long way. There is need to engage in activities that will keep bringing us together to strengthen our ties, to learn one another’s heritage through interactions for the legacy of future generations hence Mmakgodumo event,” he said.

Mogobe said the other purpose of the event was to revive and restore some Ngwaketse heritage practices that were slowly encroached by modernity.  The event is themed; Ngwao Lore Seikokotlelo.

The free entry event will feature a variety of activities, including traditional music, dance and performers, craft demonstration, kids’ carnival, poetry, traditional cuisine and dikgafela amongst others. However, Mogobe said dikgafela would be showcased despite the country’s drought season, which resulted in minimal harvests.

“This is to showcase that agriculture has been at the forefront practices of Bangwaketse. It is also to give thanksgiving and appreciate the yields despite challenges encountered during ploughing season,” she said.

For his part, Bathoen II Trust chairperson, Prince Chibana said the event was also intended to remind Batswana of cultural values like botho and respect for leadership. He also said there would be some activations before the main event.