Africa-Press – Botswana. The sun-drenched village of Manyana came alive with colour, music, and pride during the 2nd annual Dimawe Cultural Festival on Saturday, a dynamic tribute to Botswana’s rich history and a bold step toward a thriving cultural future.
The festival, set against the historic backdrop of the Dimawe Cultural Site, was not just a celebration, but also a reminder of how culture can spark social unity and economic opportunity.
Historian Dr Jeff Ramsay captivated the crowd with tales of the Battle of Dimawe, fought in August 1852, where Batswana stood shoulder-to-shoulder in one of Southern Africa’s earliest documented resistances against colonial forces.
“The unity forged in that battle is the bedrock of modern Botswana,” Dr Ramsay declared, urging today’s generation to draw inspiration from their ancestors’ courage and diversity.
He also highlighted the untapped potential for Manyana and nearby Mmankgodi to transform the Dimawe site into a cultural and economic hub, bringing tangible benefits to the community.
The festival buzzed with energy as Kgosi Kwena Mangope of Bahurutshe boo Manyane in South Africa took the stage, his words resonating with gratitude and passion.
“Events like these weave us closer to our roots,” he said, his voice warm with emotion.
He called for peace and unity among Batswana, urging everyone to cherish the legacy of Dimawe’s defenders.
“This is more than a festival, it is a heartbeat of our shared history,” he added, sparking cheers from the crowd.
Adding to the excitement, Kabo Moseki, deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, painted a vivid picture of Dimawe’s potential as a cultural tourism hotspot. “This sacred site is a sanctuary from the hustle of urban life,” he said, describing Dimawe’s rolling landscapes and historical significance as a magnet for visitors seeking meaning and connection.
He said the government’s ambitious plans to elevate cultural festivals like Dimawe to draw international tourists, boosting Botswana’s global cultural profile.
DimaDimawe Cultural Festival is not just a day of celebration, but also a vibrant bridge between past and future.
Marking the historic 1852 Battle of Dimawe, the event pulses with music, dance, and storytelling, inviting Batswana and visitors alike to immerse themselves in a legacy of resilience and unity.
As the festival grows, it is clear that Dimawe is not just a place; but also a movement, that promises to inspire and unite for generations to come, he said.
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