Inaugural Madikwe Cultural Festival all set
The inaugural Madikwe Cultural Festival is coming this month. The event, penciled to take place on April 23rd, is tipped to be the first cultural festival in the Dinokeng villages. The venue for the event happens to be the Neville Garden, Bannabotlhe, located at a very strategic location. Neville Garden is situated on the conflux of Sikwane, Madikwe and Mmathududikwane. History has it that Bannabotlhe was traditionally designed and constructed by men of the area hence the name Bannabotlhe.
The event seeks to honour the rich Setswana culture especially the Bakgatla culture. The name for the event has been inspired by the beautiful Madikwe River. Besides the edutainment part of the event, revellers will be treated to musical performances by artists such as the man behind the Tsaya Thobane Fame, Dr Vom, Ditiro Leero, and Dj Trax. Also performing on the day will be artists from the Dinokeng area, including Moologa Traditional Group, and the Makgatlheng Traditional Choir. Tickets for the event are retailing for P300 ( standard) and P500 ( double). Attire for the day will be anything that is inspired by Leteisi or traditional attire outfit.
According to event Coordinator, Ben Ngwato, the event is conceptualised by the Powane family, Tshegofatso Powane in particular who is very passionate about Setswana culture. Powane has for years attended the Orange letlhafula festival but missed seeing an almost similar event in Kgatleng hence she came up with this concept.
Ngwato explains that they started off the journey to the event by hosting a media launch, followed by an official opening of Neville Garden. The launch was officially performed by the Bakgatla Regent, Bana Sekai. In attendance was the area MP and Assistant Minister of Local Government, Mabuse Pule, and Kgosana Balebetse, as well as Kgosana Letshwiti.
“We wanted to relaunch the venue,” said Ngwato.
Both Kgosi Sekai and Pule agreed that the event will contribute immensely to the tourism of the area, and also give others the opportunity to learn about the Culture of Bakgatla. “The event has potential to boost the economy of our area,” he said.
Besides the entertainment and lecture about Sekgatla culture, guests can look forward to learning about the story and history behind some traditional food dishes such as Letlhodi, lechotlo, mosutlhwane, as well as others that include Satswane, which is only eaten by married men. Traditional and Morula beers will also be on offer.
“During the preparation of some of these dishes, the Cooks will take guests through the food, meila and the story behind them,” explained Ngwato.