Siki Motshwari Johaness
3 October 2008
Domboshaba — For a moment, one dreamt of turning back the hands of time. One could not help feeling nostalgic about the past.
For the folk, it was a moment of rediscovering and connecting to one's dim and distant past.
For the young generation the experience was a learning curve. On display were delicacies of yesteryear such as Chimoni, Zembegwe, Mathunde, Serobe and Thopi to mention a few.
The awesome performance by the various cultural dancers and singers all pointed to a rich cultural heritage. The atmosphere was electrifying. Some came as cultural enthusiasts, truly yearning to see a revival of their culture, which is in danger of extinction.
Others came as lovers of fun who would not miss a golden opportunity that presents itself such as this one to dine, wine and as they say 'let good times roll.' Though not part of the show the flashy luxurious cars that 'graced' the occasion could not escape one's attention. However, different their motives were, all defied the scorching sun to be present at the ninth Domboshaba Cultural Festival in the vicinity of Domboshaba ruins.
The annual cultural ritual is held to mark Kalanga cultural heritage and history. Judging by the overwhelming number of people who attended, the festival is growing in popularity and tempo.
Perhaps, it has become second only to football in pulling crowds. 'Indigenous Languages Matter', was the theme that guided the activities of the day.
If there is any man who deserves to be happy is Kangangwane Phatswane, the spokesperson for the Domboshaba Celebrations Organising committee.
"The Cultural Expo lived up to expectations and we are grateful to all media houses for pre- show publicity we enjoyed. Thanks to the Botswana Tourism Board, Youth and Culture Division and individuals who collectively funded the 2008 event, the organising Committee was able to realise its P56,000 budget.
Different people reacted differently to the holding of a cultural show of this nature. "It is a very positive development for any group in the country to dedicate a day or two to matters of culture and history", said the youthful Luzipho Molapise who came all the way from Gaborone to witness the event. Another couple, Eshinee and Robert Veith spoke highly of the importance of cultural festival. However, Veith cautions against holding of cultural festivals that focus on one separate cultural entity.
"It is important to bring together under one roof people of diverse backgrounds," said Veith. This, she says, will create a platform for an exchange of cultural information that paves the way for national cohesion.
Members of the business community, big or small, had reason to smile. Basetsana Hlabano who runs Yabo Catering and Hire Services said the cultural show afforded her a rare opportunity to market her services to potential clients. She hoped in addition to the immediate good business for the day; her company will flex its muscles to penetrate the market on a wider scale. Another catering entity that welcomed with both hands the chance to showcase its foodstuffs is Cross Road Complex. Onkemetse Mongwa aged 21 who usually deals in selling sweets, fresh chips and airtime at Masunga Bus Rank, noted with satisfaction that the Cultural Show changed her fortunes for the better. "my business usually struggles to keep its head above water but today I have experienced some windfall", said the visibly happy Mongwa.
The guest speaker, Justice John Mosojane, called on the Bakalaka to demand, as a matter of right, the restoration of Ikalanga as a medium of instruction in schools.
He said over the years the Kalanga people have been too afraid to demand what he called God-given rights. He went on to say the festival should not become a mere talking shop without any meaningful action.
'What is the point of assembling here every year and leaving this place without a single resolution as to the way forward," he asked rhetorically. He did not spare the government for taking way the dignity of the Kalanga by denying them the inalienable right of using their language at school and other public places.
"Is that democracy and dignity?" asked Mosojane. People just utter these words without appreciating their full import, he concluded. Reference was perhaps being made to the famous four D's initiated by the new government. The cultural expo attracted such notables as Chief Justice, Julian Nganunu and Regionah Vaka.
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