Botswana culture minister warns of western culture eroding African culture
NEWS / 3 SEPTEMBER 2018, 09:31AM / ANA REPORTER
The African "sense of dignity" is constantly being eroded by foreign cultures, especially western television commercials, Botswana's Sport and Cultural Development Minister Dikgang Makgalemele said.
Speaking at the Dithubaruba cultural festival in Molepolole near Gaborone on Saturday, he said the so-called new lifestyle was not only degrading African culture but also misleading.
"I strongly believe that it is fitting to be celebrating this festival under this theme, as it holds the cultural values and norms learned during activities such as Dithubarupa can go a long way in transforming the youth into responsible citizens, as well as enabling them to tackle contemporary challenges faced in this country.
"I am aware that living in a global village possess a serious threat of cultural identity, more especially the upcoming generation; there is a need to interrogate further how can we preserve our own cultures and traditions," he said.
The Dithubaruba cultural festival is an annual event since 2007, aimed at promoting social cohesion among the various ethnic groups in the Kweneng district by fostering intercultural dialogue and/or a culture of peace, and to create leisure time for the local community while at the same time promoting understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural practices.
Speaking at the event, Cuban ambassador to Botswana Patricia Pego Guerra said Cuba's "partnership" with Botswana was a mutual understanding of the importance of extending culture and heritage. The similarity between Cuba and African countries was their love for dance.
"Cuba and Botswana have had a diplomatic relationship for 40 years. So there is a way for cultural exchange between Botswana and the Cuban government. We are showing Botswana people our best in terms of culture and learning also from them. The main goal for this partnership is cultural exchange," she said.
- African News Agency (ANA)