THE JEWEL OF KGATLENG
Seanokeng Camp Festival treat media to pre-event tour
Last Thursday, Indigenous Routes invited lucky members of the media to indulge in the unique wilderness experience of Kgatleng District’s Ramotlabaki village, where the Ngotwane and Limpopo rivers meet.
It is on the banks of the world-famous great grey-green greasy Limpopo River where, on 9th December, the Seanokeng Camp Festival will take place and patrons will be immersed in a world of live music amidst nature’s embrace. In addition to the location’s feel-good unwinding factor, attendees will also get to appreciate the heritage and culture of Bakgatla. Through the engagement, the press received a preview of what to expect at the festival, which will feature a plethora of activities, including: mokoro rides, horseback rides, quad bike adventures and a tour of the jewel of Kgatleng: the breathtaking confluence of the Ngotwane and Limpopo rivers. Dignitaries including the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development and Member of Parliament for Mochudi East, Mabuse Pule, Ramotlabaki Chief, Kgosi Modidi, The Voice Newspaper Managing Director (MD), Marc Kasale, representatives of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, also graced the ceremony to express their support. Reiterating the government’s commitment to promote and sustain citizen economic empowerment, Hon Pule expressed confidence that the initiative, “Will propel our communities to sustainable growth and evolve into a vibrant globally competitive private sector, developed to meet domestic, regional and international standards.” The Minister further noted the event will promote business linkages among Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMES).
For his part, The Voice MD, Marc Kasale gave a brief history of how the concept came to be. “Tumelo Lekolwane of Indigenous Routes and my brother, Kgololesego Tsitsi Kasale approached me with the concept which was hard to resist since we are all Kgatleng natives who believe in starting at home in order to make the world a better place.” In addition to his word of gratitude to the publication’s partners and readers who have contributed significantly to the 30 years mark, Kasale assured Ramotlabaki residents that 10 percent of the events proceeds will be contributed to the Village Development Committee (VDC) for the establishment of a recreational centre. According to Lekolwane, the camp festival will promote Kgatleng District as a tourism destination area. “There are many unknown treasures in Kgatleng, such as the confluence of the two rivers which is the only one in the Southern District. We came up with this concept to market the region so that it eventually becomes a go-to tourist destination area.” Ramotlabaki VDC Chairperson, Tefo Paledi was in total agreement, pointing out that the event will most likely be an economic uplifter to his village, which currently stands at zero percent job rate.
Tickets to the event of the year are available on tickito@thevoicebw.com