Dithubaruba to honour Kgosi Sechele I
Staff Writer | Friday September 4, 2015 13:27
The festival themed ‘Botswana Pele; Maropeng go a Boelwa’ will celebrate and recognise the role played by Kgosi Sechele I of Bakwena in the foundation of the nation as it is known today.
The festival will also celebrate Borankana ja Sekwena, which includes a number of traditional dances, some of which are specific to Bakwena.
Dithubaruba spokesperson, Tlamelo Letlole told Arts & Culture that the festival would begin with dikgafela, a cultural ceremony where farmers from the village take their harvest to the kgotla, to thank the ancestors and ask for good rains for the next ploughing season.
He said the official opening would follow the ceremony, where Kgosi Kgari III, will give an address. The official opening will have real estate mogul, and author, David Magang as guest speaker. He will give a talk on Kgosi Sechele I, who was considered to be a visionary. Sechele I is considered to have laid the foundation of modern Botswana.
In 1852-1853, different Botswana tribes under the leadership of Kgosi Sechele I mobilised, and defeated the Transvaal Boers.
While this year’s event will be dedicated more towards, recognising Kgosi Sechele I, and celebrate Borankana, entertainment will also be galore.
Dipela Tsa Ga Kobokwe, and poets Rabojalwa Keetile, a praise poet will entertain the crowd for Bakwena chiefs, and Kaone Mahuma.
Other entertainers who will add to the event include Solly Sebotso, Sebongile Kgaila, DNT Choir from Mogoditshane, Sekepe Choir from Kopong and Velkom Polka group.
The event at some point will see men converging at the kgotla to enjoy mokoto, while women will have their ngati session at the lelwapa (traditional yard).
Letlole explained that in the late afternoon attendees would be treated to contemporary music, and Dr Vom of Tsaya Thobane fame would lead performers. He said the session would only last an hour, making way for the evening event, which will feature Basarwa Healing and celebratory dances by Kgabo Sereto from Thamaga and Dikgaka Traditional Group from Khekhenye.
He said from 11pm the crowd will be treated to Borankana ja Sekwana, which will include a variety of dances such as motsere, semphusu, raeforo and thulathula. Letlole said this would give the audience a chance to learn more about Borankana ja Sekwena, and its different forms.
He said a variety of traditional foods will be on offer, which will include, motogo, tea ya mosukujane, kubu, lengangane, bogobe ja lerotse, dinawa, morogo wa Setswana, and ginger, just to mention a few.
Letlole encouraged those who plan to attend the event to come dressed in Sekwena attire, explaining that those from other tribes can come dressed in their attires. He said married women are also encouraged to wear traditional shawls and headscarfs, as well as leteisi la kgaka (German print decorated with guinea fowl. Men are also encouraged to come dressed in Sekwena attire.
Letlole said this year they have addressed the issue of traffic, by opening a second gate. He added that security would be tight, as they have partnered with Molepolole Police, as well as Thebephatshwa airbase, Botswana Defence Force.
Tickets for the event go for P120, which include entrance and lunch, while the VIP ticket is priced at P250, which includes breakfast, lunch, Dithubaruba t-shirt, and VIP treatment.