Basubiya Paramount Chief, Munitenge Lawrence Liswaani Sinvula III has encouraged the Basubiya people to work together towards a common goal of making the Cisiya Nkulu Cultural Festival a success and that it takes its rightful position in promoting cultural tourism.
Sinvula III made the plea during the 17th edition of the Annual Cisiya Nkulu Cultural Festival that was held in Kavimba over the weekend. Sinvula III said that Chobe is the centre of tourism and therefore Cisiya Nkulu can play a very critical role in attracting tourists and generate income hence improving community livelihoods.
Liswaani III used the opportunity to encourage Veekuhane (Basubiya) to shamelessly preserve all elements of their culture. In this regard, Munitenge emphasised the need to wear traditional dresses (mushishi).
Further, Munitenge said the objective of the Cisiya Nkulu Cultural Festival is to preserve and uplift the rich cultural and traditional heritage of Veekuhane people. According to him, through the event they also intend to embark on any activities which promote the culture, traditions and general heritage and development of the Veekuhane people.
He stated that there is a need for the community and different stakeholders to source out resources towards the development of the Cisiya Nkulu Trust plot, which he said was not developed to a state where it can effectively host the annual event.
Munitenge said efforts have been made to put up a fence and two kgotla shelters (maobo)calling on all to make a contribution. He said developments like fencing have been damaged by elephants, adding that only an electric fence would keep away wild animals.
He regretted that without an electric fence, further developments at the site would be in futility,
“Let us all put in a lot of hard work and unite in ensuring that we take part in developing our cultural site, arguments and complaints won’t make any change,” he said.
Meanwhile the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) Chairman Joe Motse appreciated the challenges in organizing events such as Cisiya Nkulu Cultural Festival, especially the depressed economic situation following the devastating effects of Covid and economic hardships.
He stated that even with the support from government and other donors, local cultural organisations still face serious financial challenges, and Cisiya Nkulu was no exception.
‘‘These challenges should not discourage us, but rather help up us to change our mindset so that we can self-sustain. I see a lot of potential here especially in the tourism sector,’’ he said.
Motse has noted that that the human resource in the area is the primary asset that can be leveraged on. He told the community that with their great minds, they can start a fund raising campaign where they donate what they can manage, starting with a minimum of one pula, a bag of cement, a roll of fence, poles, thatch grass, towards adding value to their plot which is the second asset. He expressed that being in a wildlife area the place needs electric fencing to guard against all the structures that be will put up.
‘‘With an extension to the plot, you will have land that you can use for various activities such as agriculture and tourism, collaboration is essential in this endeavor, the relationship you have forget between yourselves and local tourism outfits and other stakeholders is crucial for your success. HATAB pledges support in this regard,’’ he said.
