27 Nov 2024

Kgosi Tawana II of Batawana has unveiled the iconic basket monument aimed at giving the community museum a facelift as well as branding Maun as destination of choice.

The basket structure, which is strategically located in front of Nhabe Museum along the road to Maun International Airport and the Moremi Game Reserve, was funded by Chobe Holdings to the tune of P500 000 through their foundation, Chobe Impact.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony of the monument recently, Kgosi Tawana said the art work of the Ngamiland basket was a celebration of their creative wisdom and heritage that has thrived for many decades.

The basket monument, he said would help improve the functioning of the museum, its marketability and awareness creation as well as to brand Maun as an important cultural hub of the Ngamiland by establishing an interactive space that reflects and celebrates artistic and cultural heritage.

The monument, he said would also stimulates opportunities for the development of tourism value chains as well as the cultivation of interest in cultural tourism.

“As you might be aware, for the longest period our interest has always been biased towards wildlife-based tourism and the narrative ought to change. Resultantly, I am impressed and adamant that this will go a long way in promoting not only Maun but our region as a whole and both the local people and our visitors will enjoy interacting with the artwork in a manner that is responsible and proactive so that it last long for many years to come,” he said.

Kgosi Tawana also appreciated Chobe Holdings for a historic artwork, which he said was in recognition of the important role the museum played in the society for safeguarding of cultural heritage.

The museum as a cultural establishment, he said was a mirror of society reflecting what defined them as the people of Ngamiland region.

Since its inception in 1996, the museum continued to play a pivotal role in the promotion, protection and preservation of local arts and heritage impacting positively the livelihoods of local communities by fostering a platform for economic activity that benefited handicraft producers as well as the creation of an environment that supported both the visual and performing arts.

“You have given the museum new ‘heartbeat’ that we have always longed for. The change is evident and is attestation that collectively we can become custodians of culture. The museum reflects our cultural expressions in their diversity and symbolism. It is a beacon of hope, the key to our unity and success,” he added.

Also, Kgosi Tawana implored other companies to partner with the museum trust for the development of the museum, which he said currently, did not have a capacity to house the region’s collection due to space issues.

He said there was urgent need for the construction of the state of the art museum facility that could house both temporary displays and permanent exhibits, an amphitheatre to host various activities and with provision for a central crafts market to mention a few.

Chobe Holdings managing director, Lempheditse Odumetse said the project marked a significant milestone towards their commitment in preserving and promoting as well as celebrating the unique cultural heritage of the communities.

“At our organisation, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back hence we took a step to invest half a million in support of Nhabe Museum and the community as well to preserve the cultural heritage for our future generations,” he added.

Odumetse said the basket represented the spirit of creativity, resilience noting that it told a story of the artisans, the skills and their dedication to their art work.

He said by erecting the iconic basket, they were not only enhancing the museum collection but they were also attracting visitors to appreciate the place, engage with the region’s culture in a meaningful way.

Nhabe Museum board chairperson, Tshematshe Monwela thanked Kgosi Tawana for being instrumental toward the project saying he was the one who talked to Chobe Holdings to assist them. 

The beauty of the project, he said would indeed attract travellers to pass through the museum before flying into the prestigious Okavango Delta. Ends