Traditional Ngwaketse wedding takes centre stage at Mmakgodumo festival
Itumeleng Suping | Wednesday October 29, 2025 10:10
Set at Mmakgodumo Gardens, the annual celebration brought together locals and visitors alike to honour tribe’s rich cultural heritage. Under the theme ‘Ngwao Lore Seikokotlelo’- meaning culture is a treasure- the festival showcased the essence of Setswana identity through music, fashion, storytelling, and traditional cuisine.
The festival, organised by the Bathoen Trust in collaboration with four local wards, Ga Sebako, Mafhikana, Mongalo, and Mosielele, showcased the essence of Ngwaketse wedding through dance, traditional cuisine, arts and storytelling.
In his welcome remarks, Bangwaketse Paramount chief, Kgosi Malope II highlighted the importance of cultural preservation and community pride.
'My dream is to see Mmakgodumo as one of the tourist attraction sites with animals in it.
'I appreciate this event but I strongly believe this area, being Mmakgodumo, needs some developments. People would come here in large numbers as a result,” he told the gathering.
The event reflected a strong sense of unity and identity amongst the people of Kanye.
Attendees, clad in traditional attire, participated in performances that highlighted the diversity and strength of Setswana customs.
For his part Bathoen Trust chairperson, Prince Chibana, noted that this year’s festival focused on the Ngwaketse traditional wedding.
'We are here to showcase Ngwaketse traditional wedding. Bathoen Trust’s main mandate is to uphold Ngwaketse traditions and ensure they are passed on to younger generations.
'We therefore have to respect Ngwaketse traditions especially its taboos during the showcase of the wedding,' he mentioned.
The scenic backdrop of Mmakgodumo dam added a special charm to the occasion, with the lush slopes of Kanye providing a perfect setting for cultural expression.
Traditional music and performances from Maswailathota, Swailaman, Dipela tsa ga Kobokwe , poetry by Khudu and Serurubele, and crafts drew admiration from both locals and visitors.
The Mmakgodumo Cultural Festival continues to grow as one of the key cultural events in the southern district, reinforcing the message that culture remains at the heart of development and unity.
Kanye once again proved that culture is not just remembered here-it is lived, shared, and celebrated with pride.