30 Mar 2025

A night of poetry and culture unfolded at the Thapong Visual Arts Centre on Thursday, as poet Edwin Moroka, known by his stage name Serurubele, hosted the Ntwa Ya Puo poetry event.

The gathering brought together a stellar line-up of poets, poetry enthusiasts, government officials and notably, Vice President, Ndaba Gaolathe.

The line-up featured Serurubele, Emmanuel Boefelo, also known as Mmasekgethu, Moroka Moreri, Dr Lame Pusetso, known as Poetic Blood, and members of the Sekhutlwana Sa Bannye Poetry Academy, which is run by Serurubele.

Speaking at the event, Gaolathe commended poets, Serurubele and Moroka for their dedication to preserving cultural heritage, describing them as men of integrity in a world that often lacked it.

“I believe this new Botswana, this miracle that has happened to our country, is something to behold. It is my prayer that we nourish it and achieve the greatness we aspire to,” Gaolathe said.

He further outlined key qualities that government sough in potential partners for Botswana. He said there was need for partners to be committed to long-term engagement and the value of those with unique insight and experience.

Another quality, he said was financial strength and expertise as well as partners who wanted to be part of ‘our story, who want to be part of our poetry, song and dance. It is my hope that we nurture and realise our full potential as a nation because the true diamonds of this story are its people, particularly, young people,” he said.

For his part, Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa said they would work diligently to preserve culture and foster national pride, with poetry playing a key role in that vision.

“It is an honour to have the Vice President grace this event, signifying strong support for culture and poetry,” Motshegwa said.

He further emphasised the importance of recognising poetry as a means of preserving heritage, expressing deep emotions, educating, entertaining, and delivering powerful messages.

Looking ahead, Motshegwa said poetry would be utilised as a tool to combat social issues such as gender-based violence and passion killings, which remain pressing concerns in Botswana. BOPA