29 Oct 2020

The Ngamiland community will be treated to a fun filled cultural event dubbed Diashana mono on (Saturday) October 31.

The event, organised by Maun-based comedian, Omphile Johane, will be launched at an island commonly known as Lenongo in Seyei near Rileys Bridge along the Thamalakane River bank.

Assistant Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development, Buti Billy is expected to officiate at the event.

Johane, who is popularly known as Obza Modidima said in an interview that the event aims to showcase and celebrate the diverse cultures in Ngamiland District through music, dance, traditional games, poetry, comedy and languages, among others.

The all-day event, he said also wanted to promote the rich beautiful cultures in the district, adding that they would display diverse indigenous food such as Tswii and wild fruits such as mokolwane, mokuchomo and motsaudi.

Other items to be displayed include clothing, handmade craft and traditional artefacts.

Johane also noted that pollers would also participate in a mekoro race challenge to showcase the mode of transport used in the district.

He explained that he came up with the initiative because he had realised that culture was dying because of new developments and through the event, he wanted to preserve local culture for future generations.

“Through this initiative, I want to take the community in general back to the good olden days where people used to relax under trees and enjoy cultural food at the same time playing Setswana games such as Mhele and Morabaraba,” he added.

Johane revealed that event would be a perfect outing for families as there would be various activities for all to participate and enjoy.

The day, he said, would be spiced by the renown traditional jazz artiste, Molefi Monageng aka Stiger Sola and other local upcoming artistes. 

The event is expected to  give upcoming artistes and youth an opportunity to explore their talents and develop it for their benefit.

Diashana mono activity is also expected to promote domestic tourism. 

Since Maun is a gateway to the mighty Okavango Delta, Johane said it was a pity that tourists did not have time to appreciate what Maun could offer.

Maun, he said, was one of the best places for tourism and service centre as the area had many green features such as Thamalakane River, which meanders through the town, and also has a diverse mix of modern and traditional buildings.

In addition, he said, the area had many historical sites, which could attract guests before they flew to the delta. 

He stated that his intention was to host the event twice a month, adding that it was ideal as it would contribute meaningfully to the local economy. Ends