Preparations have already started for the fifteenth edition of one of the biggest cultural festivals in Botswana, Dithubaruba. Dithubaruba is the crème de la crème when it comes to everything that is culture. A melting pot of the beauty of one of the biggest tribes in Botswana, the festival brings together Bakwena from all walks of life, and different parts of the country, and neighbouring countries. Enthusiasts gather to celebrate, immense themselves in the rich heritage of Bakwena ba ga Sechele as well as dance and reminisce about yester years. This year, the event is slated to take place on September 2nd at the Ntsweng Heritage Site.

Speaking in an interview, the ever jovial, Tlamelo Letlole, who is the Spokesperson of the event, explains that this year they are going big. For those who might have previously missed the event, this year, he is calling them to make sure that they attend. Besides the spectators, he is also urging the business community to join them as sponsors or partners.

Held under the theme: Maropeng Go a Boelwa, this is one event that culture lovers do not want to miss. Letlole explains that Ko Ga Mma Sechele, housed Bakwena in the years 1800- the early 1900’ s. He also says that at this historic site, there is still evidence of Mma Sechele, who was banished to Ghanzi, as well as other artefacts.

Highlights of the day usually include, Dikgafela, feasting on Pitsana ya Mokoto ( meat reserved to married men) and Pitsana ya Mohubu

( meat reserved for women), as well as Seswaa, made according to Sekwena. Other highlights include Phatisi ya Sekwena in its beauty, presented by an array of groups, as well as other groups taking to the stage to showcase different traditional dances and other performances by local artists.

He further notes that they have started to work tirelessly on the preparations for the big day, as well as build up events. “We are looking at guest speakers as well as sponsors and partners,” he explains, noting that the committee is busy at work with the plenary stages of preparations. The event, he says is not only targeting Bakwena in Molepolole and surrounding areas, but also targets

Bakwena ba ga Sechele in different areas such as Eswatini, Namibia, South Africa and Botswana, as well as guests from Lesotho. “We have different tribes in Molepolole and surrounding areas who include Bahikwa, Baherero, Balete, and Batlokwa. And this year we are giving them a chance to showcase their culture,” he says, noting that the event seeks to bring them together.

Some of the preparations include seeking partnerships with those who are in the hospitality to offer packages to guests as a way of supporting local businesses. They have also made calls for companies that sell food to come on board, and are particularly planning to reserve a certain number of stalls for women and youth businesses. “We have patrons who are going to buy tickets that do not include food, and will need a place to buy food,” he says. Reserving space for women and youth led businesses is their way of supporting them, he says.

He also shares that part of the build up events will include a Heritage walk slated for July 1st, which will take hikers to Ntsweng. Along the way, they will see and learn about water reservoirs which were built by missionaries.

End of July, they will hold a symposium where guests will hear all about the history and heritage of Kgosi Sechele, and the importance of a kgotla in modern day.

Meanwhile, they are targeting 6000 people this year, and were looking forward to building more stands at the stadium in order to cater to their patrons, and ensure that everyone have access to all the performances.