Kuru Organisers Reflect On Bitter-Sweet Journey
Spira Tlhankane | Monday August 13, 2018 12:47
Speaking at a recent media briefing, executive director of Kuru Development Trust, Mangana Mangana said throughout the last two decades Kuru helped them know more about their identity. He said instead of listening to what people said about them they managed to hold on to the heritage left by their ancestors.
“We have a game farm and it shows how we used to live besides hunting. Being a Mosarwa to some is an insult, but we accepted who we are,” he said. Mangana said Kuru gave them a voice and reminded the San of their history.
For his part the chairperson of the Trust, Arone Johannes thanked former vice president Ponatshego Kedikilwe for being their patron throughout the years.
“He is an elder, but did not give up. I also want to thank Barclays for sponsoring us,” he acknowledged. Johannes added that Basarwa have skills no wonder other tribes use Basarwa culture to revive their own. He said they have a rich culture and heritage.
“Our crafts are used all over and it is a lesson that we should enhance the culture and not change it.” Kedikilwe, however, was quick to acknowledge that he is a proud patron. He said colleagues called him to perform this function many years ago.
“They insisted on choosing me and I thank them for that. We have to help each other. I stand tall for the celebration,” he said.
Kedikilwe said through Kuru they celebrate the San craft and talent, which is currently growing and improving tourism.
“People have been dedicated throughout these two decades. We have a reason to celebrate, but it’s not that we didn’t have challenges. We have been able to weather the storm and it’s part of our celebration,” he highlighted. He said as Kuru they continue to blossom and bear more fruit.
“Our passion, pride and unity have been sustained. The festival is a platform to celebrate the heritage of the San. It is explicit, and encapsulates the rights of passage of Basarwa. There is spiritual experience and the festival has contributed to the upliftment of the San community making this a national event,” he said. Kedikilwe said now the community is able to sell more of their crafts through the event.
He added that people now know more about Kuru. He said they owe Barclays gratitude after sponsoring Kuru Dance Festival for four years. “It’s all about the spirit rather than the money.”