The North West Department of Sport, Arts and Culture last weekend collaborated with the Herman Charles Bosman Living Museum in unveiling the Batswana Homestead (traditional huts) within the museum in Groot Marico.

The HC Bosman Living Museum, located in the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, is a historical, cultural and literary living museum that promotes indigenous practices. 

The Department and the Museum celebrated the event during Youth Month (June) to help direct the youth towards their own tradition, culture and heritage.

“We wanted to dedicate the launch of traditional huts in the Museum as a symbolic gesture to show their importance to the youth and that they needed to be proud of their identity, history and heritage,” said MEC Tebogo Modise. 

“The Department supports the promotion of indigenous cultures, part of which are preserved and conserved through museums.”

Manager of the Museum Santa Van Baart was enthusiastic about the event. 

“The main aim of the event was to share the unique culture of people, regardless of race. It is also meant to help preserve our South African history” Van Baart said.

Guests, most of whom were dressed in their traditional regalia, were taken on a tour of the museum. 

Various cultural performances included Boere Musiek and dance, a marimba band and the Sarafina dancers. 

Indigenous and cultural food was on offer, with guests feasting on koeksisters, papatas, milk tart, fruit, traditional beer and mampoer.

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