13 Oct 2024

Mmakgodumo Cultural Festival has emerged as a beacon for Bangwaketse, showcasing an array of cultural practices that embody their rich history and traditions.

Held over the weekend in Kanye on the periphery of Mmakgodumo Dam, the festival aims to revive and restore cultural practices that have been passed down from generation to generation, providing a platform for unity, indigenous education, and the celebration of shared identity.

The cultural festival themed: Ngwao Lore Seikokotlelo, attracted cultural enthusiasts  to immerse themselves in an array of traditional songs and dance including other activities that define Bangwaketse heritage from time immemorial.

The start of the event was met with lively sounds of traditional songs from Bangwaketse women and different groups of Mephato as they took turns to present Dikgafela to the village traditional leaders.

Dikgafela was set to showcase and appreciate this year’s harvest despite the severe drought that affected farming. This was also to emphasise that Bangwaketse have always ploughed fields from time immemorial.

A group of women from Lesotho also showcased their culture  to solidify the strong ties that already exist through Bangwaketse queen Masetsibi Gaseitsiwe.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape noted that the event also presented economic opportunities and urged organisers  to continue providing such platforms.

Dr Kwape noted that establishing places like Mmakgodumo was important as it preserved and minimised negative effects on the environment.

Stating objectives of the event, chairperson of Bathoen Trust, Prince Chibana said the intention   was to revive the event after it was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kgosi Malope II who is also the event patron praised Bangwaketse for participating in different activities that seeks to revive and preserve culture.

He noted that Mmakgodumo had the potential of being a notable tourism activity that could bring different opportunities to the village.

He urged relevant stakeholders to continue working together to ensure the success of the event. Ends