Khawa Dune Challenge promises exciting arts acts
Sharon Mathala | Friday May 8, 2015 12:29
The event, which will be held from May 15 to 17, 2015, is associated with exhilarating sporting activities and celebration of Botswana culture.
Hosted at the remote village of Khawa, this year those in attendance will get more with the introduction of two activities to the already packed line-up. The two activities are tag of war and a fashion parade, which is believed, will animate the art and craft of the exhibition.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Kago Ramokate, this year, specially being the fourth year of the now popular annual event, the expectation is even higher.
“The 2015 Khawa Dune Challenge and Cultural Festival will not only offer the traveler the opportunity to traverse and leave their footprints on the majestic sand dunes, but also deliver the best performing arts acts as well as a magnificent exhibition of the crafts and artworks of the area,” he said.
Apart from the fact that president Ian Khama has been a major highlight at the event since its inception, the event has also stolen the hearts of many largely due to the near-perfect sand dunes that surround the homesteads.
Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO), chief executive officer, Thabo Dithebe said the event attendance has grown impressively over the years.
“An estimated 1.5 people attended the event in 2012, 2013 we had just about 2,5 people whilst last year we gave 3.5 people who descended to Khawa for the challenge, and this year we are expecting even a larger crowd,” he said.
The event will kick start with a polka dance festival on Friday evening, and will see seven Polka groups including a group from southern district showcasing their best moves. The groups will include Speelnog from Bokspits, Kalahari Dancers from Struizendum, Gareng ga Dithota from Khawa.
Other groups, expected to perform at the event include Motlha wa Ngwao from Hunhukwe, Tsharwa from Kokotsha and Tjilenje che Ngwago from Francistown who will be blessing patrons with Hosana dance.
The art exhibition will showcase the best of Kgalagadi region crafts, the area’s best artists in fine art, bead and leather works.
A contemporary festival will follow on Saturday evening.
Mokate said this year’s main attraction would be Charma Gal, Makau. Dramaboi and Dedco-Kalahari express amongst others.
“There will also be sports tournaments, which will feature eight aside football teams from Khawa and surrounding areas, which will battle it out for a P20, 000 prize. Other sporting activities will include dodge ball, kite flying, volleyball, camel rides, which will be open to the public,” he said.
Mokate stressed that although one cannot ignore the presence of the first citizen at the event, Khawa is not centered on Khama, who has been supporting the event since it’s inception.