Africa-Press – Botswana. Ntwa Ya Puo poetry show made its grand return this past Friday, entertaining a crowd of foot-tapping, head-bopping, and body-shaking poetry enthusiasts, who relished a wide variety of dance-worthy cultural performances at Thapong Visual Arts Centre.
The new stage offerings included a segaba performance, traditional dance, a traditional fashion parade, and and music performance. Meanwhile, the regular main act poetry sessions brought back unforgettable talents such as the luminary Moroka Moreri,
He joined the Ntwa Ya Puo organiser, Edwin ‘Serurubele’ Moroka, Emmanuel ‘Mmasekgethu’ Boefelo, Lame ‘Poetic Blood’ Pusetso, and the ensemble Sekhutlwana sa Bannye, in an enthralling performance that included pieces of romance, satire, and laudation.
Among the distinguished guests were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Human Settlement, Bonolo Khumotaka, and the Deputy Mayor of Gaborone Mankie Sekete, both witnessing first-hand the young talents proudly promoting Botswana’s rich cultural heritage.
Addressing the audience, Khumotaka commended ‘Serurubele’ for the poetry show initiative, describing it as an important tool in fighting social ills among the youth. She emphasised that government alone could not manage the task of youth development, stressing that it is everyone’s responsibility to extend a helping hand.
“The government has introduced outcome-based education not just for young people to work white-collar jobs,” she said adding that instead, it taps into their desires, talents, and hobbies, which can become sources of income.
She cautioned against the misconception that creative arts performers are academic failures, explaining that they are simply individuals driven by a deep passion for their art. She pointed to international celebrities who have built successful careers and fortunes solely from their talents.
“So why not us?” she asked, adding, “If we don’t take pride in preserving our culture, like Ntwa Ya Puo is doing, we risk seeing it fade away.”
Sekete praised the Ntwa Ya Puo show for keeping Setswana culture alive and called on parents to support cultural initiatives.
“Children must be taught culture from a young age. That’s how we preserve our heritage,” she said.
As for ‘Serurubele’, Ntwa Ya Puo is far from slowing down.
It is set to return for another evening of cultural entertainment on May 30. In addition, he and ‘Mmasekgethu’ will host the Sekhutlwana Sa Bannye Festival on May 17 at the National Museum for a fee of P150.00, aiming to cultivate a love for culture among children.
“I’m inviting parents to bring their little ones for a day of all things culture,” said Serurubele, who is also the founder of the Sekhutlwana Sa Bannye Academy, emphasising the issue of limited of space hence its “only children’ stipulation.
“Activities will include a guided tour of the National Museum, featuring lessons on Botswana’s history,” he said.
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