Sehurutshe Heritage At National Culture Day
Sharon Mathala | Monday May 23, 2016 15:39
Manuana, with its rich heritage, proved to be a perfect venue for Botswana’s Culture Day on its 50th year of independence. It was at Manyana where the fateful battle that gave birth to Botswana was fought.
The infamous Battle of Dimawe in 1852, when Kgosi Sechele I stood defiant against the boers, was just five kilometres from the venue of the culture day.
Although the event turned out to be just another show of traditional dances, speeches about culture, and long queues for bogobe ja lerotse and seswaa, Batswana pitched up in great numbers.
Host, Kgosi Kebinatshwene Mosielele, gave the attendants a brief history of Bahurutshe and how they ended up at Manyana.
In his speech, the man who has been driving the campaign, Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture (MYSC), Thapelo Olopeng cited that because the event is under the theme ‘A proud and united nation through cultural diversity’, said it is through this acceptance and celebration of cultural diversity that Batswana have achieved unity, harmony and national pride.
He said: “The commemoration of national culture day gives every Motswana a platform to revive, promote and dialogue on their culture and heritage as well as exchange information that promotes appreciation, respect and understanding of their cultural exchange”.
At the venue were also exhibitors who presented various products, mostly handmade.
Entertainment was amongst others from Topito, Thokgamo Choir, Bazezuru choir, but the highlight of the day was traditional musician, Gongmaster.
His set had half of the attendants on their feet singing along to his Setswana lyrics.
The two-day event started on Friday with an exhibition of traditional weddings.
At the main Kgotla, Bahurutshe women had set up a model of a traditional household where they demonstrated the daily chores of Sehurutshe lifestyle.