05 Jun 2024

The edition of the Central region national arts festival was characterised by fierce competition in the Segaba and Katara categories as artistes battled it out for a slot in the nationals.

The vast central region held its competitions in Letlhakane on Saturday for Polka and traditional instruments. 

The highlight of the competitions was the Segaba part, a category that was dominated by the elderly.

It must have been a difficult one for the judges to decide the winner because many performers displayed a masterpiece.

There were 25 Segaba artistes from across the central region. Ginger Ramatebele from Mahalapye seemed to have impressed judges the most throughout his performance, as he emerged the winner with 91 points.  

In position two was Onkabetse Makhomma with 89 points, while in third place was Gaolaolwe Sekelema with 87, both of whom were rewarded in monetary form at district level. 

Guitarists also did not disappoint as they mesmerised the audience with their outstanding skill for the four string.

Out of the 25 guitarists, Michael Monang qualified for the nationals with 89 points.

Second position went to Tuelo Keafetole with 86 points, while Motlotlegi Gasewame got position three with 84 points.

Setinkane was also among the instrument categories, where Oteng Mpesi of Palapye emerged victorious, booking himself a slot in the nationals, while Uyoyo Nonyane and Kemoitsemang Makaso both from Letlhakane, got position two and three respectively.

As for Polka Dance, Ngami Delta Polka Dancers got position one, followed by Okavango Deaf Polka Dancers, while Archives came third.

In an interview, the winner in the Segaba category, Ramatebele could not conceal his excitement.

He said though he won the competition, it was not a walk in the park, given tough competition he faced from his opponents.

He attributed his victory to experience, saying he had been playing Segaba for a long time now. Member of Parliament for Boteti East, Sethomo Lelatisitswe, encouraged all artistes to take their talent with utmost seriousness and invest in it by perfecting it.

He said the creative sector had the potential to create employment and generate income for the rural communities, hence supporting government efforts towards poverty eradication. ENDS