The grounds of Nhabe Museum came alive with song, dance, traditional cuisine and cultural displays over the weekend as the institution celebrated its 30th anniversary, bringing together communities from across Ngamiland in a vibrant showcase of heritage and unity, this past weekend in Maun.
Held under the theme, “The Museum: A Critical Place for Safeguarding Knowledge and Celebrating Cultural Diversity,” the event attracted people from all walks of life, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry that defines the Ngamiland region.
Speaking post the celebrations, Museum Curator Tumelo Thuthuka described the museum as a reflection of Ngamiland itself, representing the history, people and identity of the region.
“The museum is a mirror of Ngamiland,” he said. “It tells the story of the people, the place and the history that has shaped this region.”
Thuthuka reflected on the origins of the museum and the process through which its name was chosen, noting that the decision was reached collectively by regional leaders and communities. He emphasised that the museum remains deeply connected to the people it serves and continues to operate under the patronage of the Paramount Chief.
He also traced the institution’s long history, highlighting the role played by generations of community members, traditional leaders, government agencies, artists and development partners in ensuring its survival and growth over the past three decades.
The anniversary celebration itself reflected the diversity of Ngamiland, with members of various cultural groups, including the Batawana, Herero and Basubiya amongs the many communities, among others, participating in the festivities. Traditional attire, indigenous foods, music, dance and cultural performances transformed the museum into a living exhibition of the region’s heritage.
Thuthuka paid tribute to the many artists and performers who volunteered their talents for the occasion, saying their contributions demonstrated a deep commitment to preserving and celebrating Botswana’s cultural heritage.
“The success of this celebration is a result of many people answering the call and giving their time and talents to honour our shared history,” he said.
Among the notable features highlighted during the event was the museum’s recently installed giant basket structure, which has become a striking visual landmark in Maun. According to Thuthuka, the installation has not only enhanced the museum’s appeal but has also increased visitor interest, helping transform the facility into a tourist attraction in its own right.
He said the growing interest presents opportunities for the museum to generate income through guided tours and tourism packages. Given Maun’s status as a gateway to the Okavango Delta, Thuthuka believes the museum can become an essential cultural stop for visitors seeking to understand the history and traditions of the region.
“We are in a tourism region, and the museum should form part of that tourism experience,” he said. “Visitors coming through Maun should be able to experience our culture and history before continuing to the Delta.”
Looking to the future, Thuthuka unveiled an ambitious vision for the institution, including the development of a state-of-the-art arts and cultural auditorium that could host performances, exhibitions and other cultural events throughout the year.
He said such a facility would provide a platform for local artists and performers while strengthening the museum’s role as a centre for cultural exchange and creativity.
“Our dream is to create a space that brings all cultures together under one roof,” he said. “We want the museum to become a place where culture is not only preserved but actively lived and experienced.”
Thuthuka also used the occasion to encourage greater community involvement in the museum’s development. He called on residents to donate artefacts, photographs and items of historical significance that can help tell the stories of Ngamiland’s people and preserve them for future generations.
“We want the community to see what they have in this museum and to invest in its future,” he said. “If people have historical items and stories, we encourage them to bring them forward so they can become part of our collective heritage.”
With growing tourism potential, renewed community support and ambitious expansion plans, Nhabe Museum is positioning itself as both a guardian of the past and a cornerstone of cultural development in the years ahead.
