A unique Music and Cultural festival aimed for Mahikeng
The capital city of Bokone Bophirima Province, Mahikeng, is set to become the centre stage for Setswana music and traditional dance, as citizens from across the province and the country will descend upon the capital city for one-of-a-kind Mahika-Mahikeng Music and Cultural Festival, come 1 December 2015. This was said by Premier Supra Obakeng Ramoeletsi Mahumapelo today (Thursday, 4 December) while launching the event at Mahikeng.
Accompanied by the MEC for the Department of Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs, Tebogo Modise, Premier Mahumapelo also unveiled the logo of the festival which will be an annual event.
“In pursuit of our resolve to position arts and culture as one the three anchor pillars for the growth of our economy, efforts will be made to ensure that this week-long music and cultural festival is used as an opportunity to employ the necessary rebranding, repositioning and renewal of our Province and its capital city, Mahikeng”.
“Our appeal is for everybody to embrace this platform and be proud of it, as it is sure to bring about change in our lives. Local jobs will certainly be created, local business will get a major boost, and above all, the image and standard of our Province and Mahikeng will be improved”, Premier Mahumapelo said.
Outlining the planned festival activities to the media, local artists and other key stakeholders who attended the launch, MEC Tebogo Modise said the unique Mahika-Mahikeng Music and Cultural Festival will feature diverse performances such as Cultural Dances, Motswako, Visual Arts, Crafts and Art Exhibitions, Theatrical Productions, Traditional Dance Challenge, Ballroom and Latin American Dance Challenge, and Food Stalls.
In welcoming the Provincial Government’s concerted effort to recover the image of Mahikeng through this and other initiatives, Kgosi Jeff Montshiwa of Barolong Boora-Tshidi in Mahikeng said the presence at the launch of the Chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders Kgosi Madoda Zibi and many traditional leaders from around the Province, signalled the value this festival will carry once fully implemented.
The launch was also attended by the newly elected Executive Mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Cllr Gosiame Seatlholo who committed the municipality to forging tight partnership with the Department of Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs to ensure the success of this annual festival.
Pronounced by the Premier during his inaugural State of the Province Address in June this year, Mahika-Mahikeng Music and Cultural Festival will be linked to the cultural and heritage tourism strategy of Bokone Bophirima Province, while its programme and content will have a relational approach to the Mzanzi Golden Economy Strategy.
For more information:
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Acting Provincial Head of Communication: Office of the Premier
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
