Heritage is wealth not to be lost - kgosi Maruje III

Heritage is wealth and it would be tragic if we lose the entire stock wealth given to us by those before us, says Kgosi Thabo Maruje III of Masunga at Dithubaruba Cultural Festival in Molepolole on Saturday.

This year’s theme was ‘Ngwao Boswa; Ga e phetsolelwe nageng’ He explained that culture was an essential part of identity and a major source of pride for people as cultural communities spread across Botswana, as a nation, a region and as a continent. He added that culture was something nobody could run away from despite ill-advised attempts that may be made.

“I need not retell history to explain why we lost some of that wealth but it is important that we hold and build on to what we have left of it. Think about this for a second; if you strip yourself of the source of your pride and identity, what worth do you have as a human being.

Can you realistically insist that those who take pride in their culture and jealousy guard it should respect you?”“From its humble beginnings in 2007, Dithubaruba Cultural Festival has not only grown by leaps and bounds but has also become the gold standard for events of its kind. In one other respect, the festival’s return this year shows that as a nation ZH DUH ÀQDOO\ UHFODLPLQJ RXU OLYHV IURP WKH FOXWFKHV of a merciless pandemic (COVID-19). In the fashion of a great African tradition, today we are literally dancing in celebration of our victory against COVID-19. More importantly, there is we something else that we are reclaiming through this festival, our cultural heritage as a traditional society,” he said.

For his part, Assistant Minister of Local government and Rural Development also Member of Parliament for Mochudi East Mabuse Pule said his ministry attached great importance to the role of Bogosi and local authorities in community development through building resilient, inclusive and sustainable local economies.

+H DOVR H[SODLQHG WKDW WKH VLJQLÀFDQFH RI 'LWKXbaruba could not be overemphasized since culture was the embodiment of their national values and way of life. He also pointed out that the government was committed to the promotion, preservation and development of their culture. He emphasized that various programs that were in place such as the National Arts Festival, National Languages Day, Visual Art Exhibitions, Community Cultural festivals and Pitso Ya Ngwao evidenced that.

Pule also said that cultural renaissance was in line with the 2001 National Policy on culture, which seeks to keep Btswana in touch with their rich and diverse cultural heritage.“Events such as Dithubaruba create awareness on the importance of culture in socio-economic development, provide platform for information sharing among cultural practitioners and showcase the diverse cultures in the form of exhibitions and performances. Government also provides assistance in the form of grants to artists and cultural practitioners to undertake projects and programmes, in recognition of the crucial role played by the arts in the socio economic development of this country.”

“This gesture will go a long way in developing cultural industries and tourism, diversifying the economy and creating wealth in view of deliberate efforts being made to market both performing and visual arts products and services locally and internationally,” he explained.

Furthermore, Pule stated that many local artists had being sponsored by government to partake in cultural exchange programmes abroad. He added that many local had being able to forge strategic links and also promote local culture abroad. He further commended many cultural organisations that consistently organized cultural festivals to promote and preserve local culture. He added that they hoped that others would follow suit to revive and sustain their rich cultural heritage.

Meanwhile, kgosi Kgari Sechele II said he was grateful that at last they were able to celebrate culture after COVID-19 hindered people from hosting big gatherings events.

He added that due to the pandemic the public was forced to isolate and the country being on lockdown. He added that many people died due to the pandemic, movement restrictions and businesses shutting down affected many people. He however encouraged the public to adhere to COVID-19 protocols and guidelines so that they could continue celebrating culture through Dithubaruba next year.