BOTSWANA CULTURAL EXPLOSION IN NEWYORK AND WASHINGTON DC

PULA means RAIN in my native Setswana language. Rain is a precious resource for both Batswana, their crops and their livestock. It is often used as greetings, goodbyes and safe travels. Pula brings life to conversations and awakening to the semi-arid landscape.  Global markets know us through our trade with the local currency simply known as the Pula. To this day Pula continues to be a treasure for my land and her people.

I was beyond thrilled when it was announced that the I Love Botswana Ensemble #ILoveBotswanaEnsemble was heading to Broadway. The main theme of this ensemble was the story of the Pula. For many performers, performing on Broadway is a dream come-true. The Ensemble was to have a showcase of just three performances at the PlayStation Theater in Manhattan and then head to Washington DC to wrap it up.

The Government of Botswana through Botswana Tourism Organization has been very intentional about sharing Botswana with the world. This Ensemble was not only here to dance but the narration took the audience on a safari tour like no other:

• The Okavango Delta – an inland delta and is part of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa
• The Makgadikgadi Pans
• The Kalahari Desert (sand dunes and camel rides)

I was all sorts of emotions when I attended the one night only spectacle in Washington DC hosted at the Ellington Theatre. The singing, ululations took me back home and I was excited that the audience was experiencing the performance. Who knew you could travel so far to feel so near to home, to hope! The black, blue and white flag may just be the next stop for my fellow Fellows and colleagues. Botswana is beautiful! The sun is sometimes scotching but it could never beat the warm welcome of my people.  Botswana: My Pride, Your Destination!

PULA!!!

Images Source: https://www.botswanaonbroadway.com/

About the Author:

Agang K. Ditlhogo is currently an Atlas Corps Fellow serving as International Energy & Internet Fellow at Tetra Tech. As an ICT Advocate, she is co-founder of The Clicking Generation and through various  initiatives to include Africa Code Week, ITU-GirlsInICT and #eSkills4Girls Agang continues to work closely with relevant stakeholders to implement ICT programmes throughout SADC. Agang holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from University of Botswana. She has 8 years in the ICT sector with a keen interest in ICT4Development.