24 Nov 2024

Organisers of the annual Tsa Ga Malete Pork Festival endeavours to unite the local pork sector and make the festival appeal to international partners.

Speaking during the second instalment of the festival at Garden 45 in Boatle on November 23, event manager, Itumeleng Teseletso said they were impressed by the level of turn up of their loyal patron who had embraced the concept of hosting the pork festival since its inception.

She said this year’s event created a memorable food experience and provided a space to network and promote brands.

“Tsa Ga Malete, is a newly registered event management company borne out of a concern over the diminishing Balete culture, traditions and knowledge of symbolic attributes that set Balete apart,” Teseletso said.

She said the piggery farming in Botswana was growing and its capacity to create jobs and business opportunities was often underrated.

Teseletso said the industry was serviced and complemented by other industries in the value chain such as food processing which was not fully exploited.

She highlighted that they were planning to grow the Tsa Ga Malete brand and partner with those who were involved in piggery as the event offered them an opportunity to grow their businesses.

She said the company was owned by Batswana born in Ramotswa who found the need to come up with activities likely to lure people to Ramotswa and appreciate piggery.

The company’s mandate included hosting event, which would be a trademark of cultural preservation, resuscitation of tradition and knowledge sharing.

The company yearns to use events as an opportunity to impart knowledge about Balete tribe to the young generations as well as the nation at large, Teseletso said.

She said Ramotswa was chosen as a hub for the festival because Balete were historically known for household rearing of pigs which freely roamed the streets and neighbourhoods.

“We want to help position Ramotswa as a piggery hub and work with relevant stakeholders to make that happen. We also want to appeal to international patrons so that we grow our brand.

Teseletso said it was a gathering where tradition met innovation and where attendees could connect with the essence of farming while exploring the latest advancements in pork production and sustainability.

She said among others, the festival created a platform to showcase the entire value chain of piggery farming, highlight the investment and employment opportunities in the piggery sector.

Revellers enjoyed pork delicacies and took the opportunity to build collaborations, learn and network.

The festival also brought internationally acclaimed chefs alongside local talent in the pork culinary industry for benchmarking and empowerment.

Local pop prodigies Motlha and Han C provided the much needed dance moves at the end of the day. Ends