30 May 2022

Diwetse, Matsaakgang and Kalatsakgale traditional dance groups will represent the northern region at this year’s President’s Day National Arts Competitions under the traditional song and dance category.

The three groups emerged the best out of the 20 that participated in the northern region President’s Day regional competitions that were held in Mahalapye on Saturday.

Diwetse, from Selebi Phikwe, scooped first position out of 12 groups in Tsutsube with 83 per cent. 

Matsaakgang got position one out of seven groups in Setapa with 90 per cent while Kalatsakgale from Selebi Phikwe, the only group in Phathisi sailed through though with 74 per cent. Mahalapye Sub-district was tasked with hosting the traditional song and dance competitions for the central region.

Under Tsutsube, positions two and three went to Marupa-a-ntse from Mahalapye with 81 per cent and Sebatana-se-maroo from Mahalapye with 78 per cent respectively.

Under Setapa, positions two and three went to Tlharapa-la-badisa with 87 per cent and Badisa-ba-nkgwana with 77 per cent respectively.

In an interview, Mahalapye Sub-district youth coordinator,  Resego Tlhalerwa said the completions were meant to preserve and nurture traditional song and dance. 

Tlhalerwa also noted that only two groups out of 22 failed to partake in the competitions. 

One of the competition judges, Oakantse Basuti encouraged the groups to register for the competitions on time and to take their practice sessions seriously.

“Lack of practice will show during performance because there will be less harmony,” she said.

She revealed that they focused on a groups’ appearance, presentation of the dance techniques in relation to the song as well as stage presence and voice projections. “The song has to be relevant and gel well with the dance, clapping of hands and any instruments used,” she explained.

Overall, Basuti said the groups displayed enthusiasm and passion, which showed they were eager to compete. Ends