Tonota Village is preparing to celebrate 100 years of its existence on a date still to be announced. The Tonota Centenary Organizing Committee has said preparations are still in preliminary stages.
Motshegetsi Masoba, the Secretary General of the Organizing Committee, confirmed in an interview that preparations are on-going for the big event.
“This celebration will not only mark 100 years of existence of the village, but will also instil a sense of pride and promote the culture of the Bakhurutshe as they are the first inhabitants of the village,” he said. ┬áBakhurutse, who are the dominant tribe of Tonota, are believed to have settled in the village from as early as 1912. They were later joined by other tribes such as Bangwato, Bakalanga, BaZezuru and Barotsi.
Masoba said that they have roped in researchers and academics from the University of Botswana to assist them with information on the history of the village as they prepare for the event.
He urged the people of Tonota to take part in the celebrations and showcase their diverse cultures.
“We will have to trace all the Bakhurutshe in Botswana and even in South Africa for them to come and participate in this remarkable event,” he said, adding that the event is expected to be colourful as the culture of Bakhurutshe and other tribes will be showcased through dance, songs, traditional foods, cultural artefacts and poetry.
