Residents urged to use culture to attract tourists
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Tuesday August 23, 2022 06:00
They hosted the Kgosi Malope II cultural event at Mmakgodumo garden on Saturday. Dikgosi, headmen, a minister and other dignitaries graced the occasion. Addressing the public, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Lemogang Kwape said their village boasted of many beautiful heritage sites and rich culture that could be used to attract tourists to the area.
He stated that they together with the community could use their culture, history and tourism sites to attract tourism in the village. He further explained that the village encompassed different people from different tribes like Bakgatla, Bangwato, and others.
For his part, Kgosi Malope II Organising Committee representative Otlaadisa Koosaletse said the event was one of many events paving way towards the 10th coronation anniversary and the royal wedding that would be celebrated in Kanye soon.
He pointed out that they (public) were happy to be part of those significant days of their kgosi. He also said their chief was the 17th kgosi to lead Bangwaketse adding that all Bangwaketse tribal leaders were from the same lineage.
He added that dikgosi played a major role in the development of their communities and people. He further explained that the reigning Kgosi Malope II contributed a lot in the development of Kanye village and its people.
The event was kick started by dikgafela. Sego Cultural Group and Heavy Duty traditional choir kept revellers entertained with beautiful performances. However, the event was disorganised. It also started very late.
The stage was small and by nighttime there were no lights and performances as the audience was promised by the organisers. The generator that was supposed to be used for sound and lights arrived very late and people were told it had some defects. People were not even sure if the big artists in the likes of Gong Master, Franco and Ditiro Leero would show up. Many were angry and tried to demand for a refund but their efforts were futile.
Some angry revellers decided to stay a bit longer hoping to see their favourite artists. Some even said they were hopeful the music festival would commence soon. A group of the people that graced the event decided to keep the mood on by singing dikware while a few of those who paid entrance fee with their last money just stood there dumbfounded.