Batswapong Celebrate Culture In Sefhare

ONALENNA MODIKWA
Staff Writer | Monday September 6, 2010 00:00

One of the organisers of the event, Bennett Maifala said the festival would offer Batswapong a chance to showcase their culture, tradition, norms and beliefs. 'We will be able to present our own cultural aspects that do not apply to other tribes,' he said.

He said the festival is necessary to revive Setswapong culture, promote the language of the tribe and to explore opportunities of generating income from the cultural tourism abundant in the region. Last year, the festival was held in Goo-Tau.

Tswapong region has gorges, hills and a specific religious dance known as komana. 'It will enable Batswapong to appreciate who they are and to freely speak their language,' Maifala said.

Minister of Transport and Communications Frank Ramsden is expected to officiate on behalf of the Minister of Youth Sports and Culture at the festival. There will be a tour of Maifala Hill, which has a major significance in the history of Sefhare people. The hill was used as a bastion during war and a place to worship.