The pre-events such as the symposium and Dithubaruba Heritage Walk started on Thursday and Saturday. The event coordinator, Tlamelo Letlole, also famed as Petleke said they introduced a new event dubbed The Play on the Life and Times of Kgosi Motswapele II of Bakwena on September 6, 2024 in the evening. He said unlike other years, this year they will have limited tickets for the event. He said the decision came after they realised that the event had a large number of followers. He said last year it attracted a number of people, which over crowded the venue. The main event will be held for the second time on September 7, 2024 at Ko Ntsweng Stadium that is said to host a full capacity of 3, 500 people. "This year we will be having limited tickets.
We printed 3, 500 tickets as per the capacity of the venue. We have limited early bird tickets that are on sale as we speak. We urge our fans to buy them while there is time. Dithubaruba targets everyone that likes culture and is interested in learning the SeKwena culture together with the cultures of tribes living around Kweneng. It has grown because it has attracted Bakwena from other countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Namibia and others. This time around is not only Bakwena from Limpopo and Bafokeng but other Bakwena from different provinces who will grace the occasion. We also attracted diplomatic missions from Cuba, China and Nigeria who brought their groups for cultural exchange purposes.
This is to appreciate other cultures while they also appreciate ours," he said. He added that they saw the event growing tremendously with many Batswana now attending it. Speaking of the security, he said it is very tight as the venue was fenced. He added that the Botswana Police Service, Botswana Defence Force through Thebephatshwa Airbase and G4S security will be there to ensure that the revellers and their valuables are safe. He said they were selling different stalls such as food at P2, 000, crafts sold at P500, artifacts P500 and corporate P7, 500 stalls. He said for one to access the stalls they have to buy tender documents at the Museum.
Furthermore, he said they allow different traditional beers. He added that they will not be selling modern beers and therefore said those who drink them must bring for themselves. He, however, said they must bring calabashes and drink their alcoholic beverages in them. He further said they will not allow bottled drinks in the venue to avoid people throwing them on others. He also said attendees must wear cultural clothes of their choice. He encouraged Bakwena women to wear SeKwena attires being kgaka German print dresses and ditjale depending on whether they are married or not. He encouraged men to wear earth colour outfits.
Moreover, he said different traditional song and dance artists from Kweneng such as Mma Ausi, Mmurubele, Machesa, Dipela tsa ga Kobokwe and others will perform at the event. He explained that most of the young artists from Kweneng will be given a priority to showcase their talent at the event. He added that they will also have guest artists who will be announced later.
