Africa-Press – Botswana. The Mbungu-Wa-Kathimana Cultural Festival, renowned as the largest cultural celebration of the Hambukushu tribe, is set to become the first festival in Botswana to be digitised next year, according to President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Speaking during his visit to the newly constructed centre of the Mbungu-Wa-Kathimana Cultural Society on Saturday, Dr Masisi highlighted that the digital transformation aimed to maximise the economic benefits of the festival.
The President, emphasised that digitising the event aligned with the Mindset Change concept, which advocated for innovative approaches to development. “This move will utilise technology to market the festival better and attract more attention,” he noted.
The Mbungu-Wa-Kathimana festival celebrates the rich culture of the Hambukushu people through various traditional performances, songs, dances, clothing, food, art, and crafts. Dr Masisi commended the cultural society for securing land in Shakawe for the construction of the cultural centre, which he sees as a vital facility for promoting culture and the arts.
During his visit, the President reported that the development was nearing completion, with the boundary wall and dance stage nearly finished, an office block, ablution facilities, and kitchen around 85 per cent complete. This initiative was part of a promise made by Dr Masisi last year, pledging to support the society’s efforts once land was secured.
Notably, in March this year, the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Mr Philip Davis, pledged P450 000 for the construction of the centre. However, President Masisi raised concerns about the adequacy of the plot, noting that it should be large enough to host significant national cultural events such as the Mbungu-Wa-Kathimana festival and cultural nights.
“I urge the society’s leadership to engage with the Shakawe land board to explore options for expanding the facility,” he said, adding that solar lights would also be installed at the centre next month.
President Masisi expressed satisfaction regarding the progress of the project, which has economically benefitted the local community by creating moderate employment during construction, with labour expenses totalling around P105 300.
Local companies have received approximately P123 000 from the project, while local hardware supplies have accounted for about P55 000.
Earlier on, Mr Kgosi Dibebe, the coordinator of the Mbungu-Wa-Kathimana festival, expressed gratitude toward President Masisi and First Lady Neo for their unwavering support.
He noted that the establishment of the cultural centre would serve as a focal point for all cultural activities in Shakawe and that plans were in place to construct buildings for stakeholders seeking office rentals.
“Since you joined the society, you promised to support us, and we are pleased that you stood by your word, bringing the The Bahamas Prime Minister on board for the donation,” Mr Dibebe said.
He also highlighted the exposure the society received through the Hika la Ngwanyana festival, which saw the participation of cultural dance groups like Shamuningi from Etsha 8.
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