Local dance, song impress Swiss President
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Sunday February 12, 2023 06:00
Upon his arrival in the country on an official visit, the President Berset, his spouse Muriel Zeender Berseta and the Swiss delegation were treated to a night of the local song and dance and traditional cuisine at an event dubbed Culture Night held at the National Museum.
The event, which was also attended by President Mokgweetsi Masisi and First Lady Neo Masisi, was organised as part of government strategy to expose the local culture to the Swiss delegation.
It was no doubt that the event left a mark as the Swiss president who had seemingly had fun promised to market the uniquely packaged local music to the outside world.
Among the groups that made an impression were Dipela tsa ga Kobokwe and Sereetsi and The Natives. Despite not understanding the meaning of the songs, the Swiss president was seemingly impressed by the drums and seemed to be having fun as he joined traditional group Dipela tsa ga Kobokwe's performance on the dance floor. Berset seemed to have enjoyed a lot when Sereetsi and The Natives performed their hit song, ‘Robete’.
Berset had an opportunity to seat at a kgotla during a ceremony with President Masisi, ministers and other government officials. When making an appreciation comment, Berset said he was very impressed with Botswana's unique sound and would help in marketing some Botswana artists outside the country. Meanwhile, in her speech during the cultural night, the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Philda Kereng said the local music helps to bring the nation together as well as express love to one another or at times tell a story. Kereng stated that the setting at the National Museum features a mini display of art and crafts, especially the demonstration of basket weaving. Kereng said the mandate of the National Museum is to preserve and promote the natural and cultural heritage of Botswana.
She further said some of the things that were found there also include a morula fruit that is normally processed for juice and various purposes including medicinal, cosmetics and culinary. “I wish to first inform you that the space where you are mirrors our traditional village assembly facility or kgotla in our local language. Such a facility also serves as a customary court where legal cases on custom are tried.
This is actually the foundation of our democratic governance system. It is through this facility that traditional leaders mobilise communities for consultation on policies, local and national development programmes and plans,” Kereng said. She explained that the chairs that are found at the museum kgotla resemble the typical chairs used by men in a traditional assembly or kgotla while the round fireplace with firewood is normally a common feature in all kgotla forums. The minister said it signifies the consensus and convergence on societal issues that must be respected by all once a decision has been taken.