Dithubaruba, ABSA Bank’s marriage continues
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Tuesday August 25, 2026 10:17
ABSA Bank Botswana representative, Dennis Mamabure said the partnership is dedicated to celebrating, preserving and promoting the richness of Botswana's cultural heritage through one of the country's most treasured cultural platforms.
He revealed that Absa Bank Botswana will contribute P500,000 annually towards the partnership for the three years.
“Beyond this direct sponsorship, we will also invest significantly in leverage activities and community engagement initiatives designed to maximise the partnership's reach and impact,” he said during the launch of the sponsorship on Friday.
“Taken together, our total investment is expected to amount to approximately P2.5 million over the three-year period. In addition, this partnership will focus on expanding audiences and opportunities for underserved groups.
“This reflects our shared belief that cultural preservation and economic empowerment can, and should, go hand in hand.”
Mamabure also revealed that over the course of the partnership, they will not only showcase and preserve cultural heritage, but also create meaningful opportunities for financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
“Through initiatives such as our Women in Business Workshop Series, and products and solutions such as MobiTap, the SHE Account, and other tailored offerings, we aim to empower individuals, entrepreneurs, and communities with the tools they need to thrive,” he added.
For his part, Kgosi Kgari III of Bakwena welcomed the sponsorship deal pointing out that it comes at a time when the country is experiencing financial constraints.
“Indeed there was a point where we genuinely feared that this year’s festival might have to be postponed.
“But ABSA’s decisive intervention has ensured that Dithubaruba 2026 will proceed as planned, safeguarding a cultural tradition that carries a deep meaning for Bakwena and for Botswana as a whole. For this we are sincerely and deeply thankful,” he said.
Kgosi Kgari highlighted that this year’s theme, “Unlocking Heritage, Transforming our integrity” calls for Bakwena to draw strength from their heritage and let it shape their values, unity and future.
“ABSA’s support is a living example of integrity in partnership and heritage investment. It shows us that even in times of difficulty, when resources are scarce, true partners stand firm and help us unlock the treasures of our culture,” he added.
This year’s cultural festival will be held on September 5 at Ntsweng Heritage Hub.