Maureen Odubeng
23 May 2008
Gaborone — It is that time of the year again for one of the biggest cultural events in Botswana, when the nation celebrates the annual harvest known called Letlhafula.
This year's event will be held on May 31 at the usual spot Botswanacraft and Market premises, and promises plenty of traditional dishes, games and music. The debate on disappearing culture has come up a number of times with people fearing that the Setswana culture may ultimately die to the detriment of future generations. This is what makes Letlhafula important in the country's campaign to keep Setswana culture alive and well. Now in its eighth year running, Letlhafula is no doubt the most popular cultural event, and those who have had a chance to attend the celebration have had only good things to say about it.
To many this is a time to socialise, celebrate Setswana culture, and above all have fun as a family. For Letlhafula offers both adults and children a platform not only to celebrate their culture but also to learn activities practised by other tribes and sample traditional foods from various regions across the country. As is the norm the menu will once more feature local dishes, including Bogobe jwa lerotse (Thopi), Bogobe jwa mashi (Legala), Seswaa, Serobe, Mokoto, Mosata, Dobi and many more, and of course there is that Bojalwa jwa Setswana, which over the years has been prepared so diligently that everyone who appreciates the traditional brew, will be 'salivating' long after the show. "Each year we are told the Letlhafula Bojalwa is extremely bogale. We'll try to keep up the reputation," the Letlhafula hosts and organisers, Botswanacraft have noted. The day will also feature an interesting line-up of local musicians with the charismatic Olebile "Maxy" Sedumedi giving the closing performance, while Mogwana, Dikakapa and the Nxare Giraffes from Kgalagadi will show patrons the pounding beat of Botswana traditional dance.
The line-up does not end there as other music giants like Banjo Mosele, Malombo, Stampore, Sedibelo Choir, and Qani are also billed to perform at the event. Other activities include traditional games and a sketch on what Letlhafula means. The event will also feature competitions on maboko, diane le maele, dithamalakane and perhaps the most interesting cultural attire contest. "The encouragement we've received from friends, sponsors, and the general public is amazing. We've had enquiries about Letlhafula for several months already, which reinforces to us that this is a highly anticipated event. Volunteers are helping in finding ingredients, suggesting new dishes, and offering to come and cook with us on the day. We would like to say a big thank you for everyone's contributions and support," a note of appreciation from the organisers says. Activities are scheduled to begin at 09:00 until 18:00, and tickets are already on sale at Botswanacraft.
Members of the public are cautioned that tickets can only be bought in advance, as there will be no ticket sales at the gate. This year's Letlhafula sponsors include Orange Botswana, Mmegi, and Botswana Television (Btv).
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