Batlokwa to showcase the best of their culture
Betty Ramohubu | Friday August 17, 2018 13:04
This annual event is celebrated on the third week of August, which coincides with Kgosi Puso Gaborone’s installation as well as the royal wedding anniversary.
During his installation, Kgosi Gaborone emphasised the need for Batlokwa history and culture to be protected and preserved, while also celebrating the cultural heritage.
This year, the event will be celebrated under the theme: ‘Ngwao bontle jwa setshaba’ (Culture-Beauty of a nation).
As part of the celebrations, a historical statue of Kgosi Gaborone was erected at the main kgotla in honour of his great leadership and the decision was taken to celebrate the Batlokwa culture day, which has been on since 2010.
The event was then relocated from Batlokwa main Kgotla to Tlokweng VDC Grounds and later re-branded to Mafifatswana Cultural Festival. According to a media release from Batlokwa Tribal Administration, the event is aimed at promoting unity amongst members of the community.
“It is meant for us to celebrate and be proud of our cultural identity and diversity as well as to provide platform for the youth to learn about culture, especially during the testing times of moral degeneration and decay,” it states.
Planned activities include dikgafela, mmakgwana, matshela ka nkgwana, ditlhaka, and dikwaere. There will also be traditional song and dance, poetry, traditional games and food.
The event will start with the ceremonial arrival of Mohumagadi Thandi Gaborone accompanied by Bomme ba Batlokwa and Masetlheng Choir reciting dikoma tsa bomme paving way for the arrival of Kgosi Gaborone.
The CEO of National Development Bank Lorato Morapedi, will deliver keynote address, with other speakers coming from other Batlokwa groups from South Africa, Tobane, Ga-Malete and Kopong.
There will also be special dishes session for males and females. Men will gather at the Kgotla for mothobiso while women have their ngati on the other side. Cultural groups such as Dr Vom of Tsaya Thobane, Ramonyaku, Culture Spears and Dipela Tsa Ga Kobokwe will be performing.