Mmakgodumo culture fest returns bigger, better
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Tuesday September 2, 2014 11:40
Mabote said that this year they have included all tribes residing in Kanye being Bahurutshe, Bakgatla-ba-ga-Mmanaana, Bangwaketse and Barolong.
He said the theme for this year’s event is ‘Ngwao Ya me Mokgabo Wa me’. He explained that mokgabo represents beauty, adding that their language and heritage reflects part of their beauty.
“This theme is relevant as it shows the beauty of our culture as it is equivalent to the beauty of our village. If you visit our village you will realise that its landscape is made in an extraordinary way. Its beauty is phenomenal. That is why we decided to select this theme as the relevant one for the event,” Mabote said.
He explained that Mmakgodumo has a very rich history and as such they found it necessary to celebrate the dam because it was the first to be used for an the irrigation system in Botswana. He said that in the 1940’s, the irrigation system was installed in the dam, which was used in Kanye for watering crops. He said the irrigation system helped farmers produce enough fruits and vegetables to supply the whole country.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the aim of the event is to revive all cultural activities that seem to be slowly fading away in the Ngwaketse region.
He said the festival would feature poko (poetry), setapa saga Ngwaketse (traditional dance) polka (lobeko style), dikhwaere, dikgafela, and traditional games. He said different regiments would be invited.
“We would also be showcasing farming to show people how we used to farm as Bangwaketse,” he added.
Paramount Chief Malope Gaseitsewe is scheduled to ride his white horse to showcase how our late dikgosi used to ride theirs, as there were no cars in the past.
Mabote added that attendees would have a choice between exploring fishing in the Mmakgodumo dam and bird viewing. Some of the rare bird species found in the area are pelicans, bitterns, greber and others.
Other activities will include a tour of the forestry, gorge, and a cave for the brave hearts. All the sites fall under the Bathoen bird sanctuary.
Sponsors for the show include First National Bank Botswana (FNBB), Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Department of Arts and Culture and Brand Botswana.
The event is scheduled to start at 8:00 am and entrance is free.