Showcasing culture as tourism

Source : Kutlwano

Author : Ketshepile More

Location : GHANZI

Event : Cultural Tourism

The culture and history of the place is always fascinating to learn. International tourists have also shown  interest in that aspect of tourism. Research has shown that tourists not only visit places for their national parks but historical sites, art galleries and museums as well, especially in countries such as Britain and America.

Botswana also offers human world, and tourists are intrigued by the historic places they find hence diversification of tourism with culture. Cultural tourism in Botswana is rich and the country has so much to offer. Kasane for instance has the Basubiya tribe which is known to be the river people. One would never understand why they are referred as such unless they visit the place and get to interact with the locals and get to understand their culture.

Now, for a tourist, it cannot be easy to get this information. Therefore, there is need for centers intended to offer such information. In Kasane, Seboba is one cultural village which will be useful for information dissemination to tourists once completed.

Centers like the Seboba cultural center showcase the traditions of indigenous cultural communities such as festivals, rituals, their values and lifestyle.

Indeed the Basubiya tribe and other tribes found in the Chobe District will now have a chance to tell their tale to the world. The local community is also thrilled at the establishment of the cultural center. As the indigenous people of Kasane, Rev Ozias Kalund says the people of river welcome the idea.

Rev Kalund strongly believes that culture should be another aspect of tourism, despite living in an area where wildlife dominates the industry.

“We will be able to show and explain to the tourists our culture and tradition as Basubiya at the center,” says Rev Kalund stating that their expectations as the native residents is that the center will eventually generate income for their community.

Rev Kalund says Seboba cultural village will also help develop the community. “The income from the parks benefit the nation and the Seboba cultural center will be mainly for the community,” states Rev Kalund. It is not only the elderly who welcome the idea of Seboba cultural village and cultural tourism, but also the youth. Phemelo Makgasane who is a member of the Matsosangwao arts group concurs with Rev Kalund that the center will benefit them.

“Once completed we will have a chance to entertain all tourists at a more central place for all,” says Phemelo explaining that at the moment they go from lodge to lodge in the evenings to entertain guests.

According to Phemelo, tourists are now interested in traditional song and dance; something which they provide to the guests at various lodges in Kasane. He also says the center will solve the problem that has been in Kasane of venues to host cultural festivals.

Seboba cultural center is strategically built along the Chobe river front. It has an entertainment arena, a show room and also some cultural huts which symbolize the three most dominant ethnic groups found in Chobe.

Perhaps one can say then that the quality of service at this center, will not only depend on the cultural heritage but more importantly to the cultural environment. Therefore controls and policies should be in place to govern the community and its stakeholders, for the development and success of this center.

While satisfying the demands and interests of the tourists, the development pressures of this center should also maybe be set to a minimal level so as to conserve the area`s resources. The Seboba cultural village is a local community center facilitated by Botswana Tourism Organization and other stakeholders.

Teaser:

...The culture and history of the place is always fascinating to learn. International tourists have also shown  interest in that aspect of tourism. Research has shown that tourists not only visit places for their national parks but historical sites, art galleries and museums as well...