Son of the Soil is an annual cultural event that was started in January 2005, in the village of Tlokweng. The event was conceived by a group of then youthful individuals known as Bana ba Mmala [Trust], which they organise to relive, learn and enjoy Botswana culture. ‘Son of The Soil’ encourages participation in cultural awakening
“Celebrating CULTURE – CELEBRATING A PEOPLE WITH SOUL”
About Bana Ba Mmala
Bana ba Mmala is a not-for-profit organisation with all proceeds used for cultural research. The trust has funded research and packaging of Botswana culture into chewable chunks; documenting of Setswana games and old Setswana poetry, and traditional Setswana attire, the packaging of tribal histories and of Botswana dances. With every year, the trust also donates to a local cause that is identified within the community. It has assisted in the establishment of a cultural day and annual marathon in Letlhakeng, in the Kweneng administration district. Donations towards the upkeep of the “I Am Special” children’s home in Tlokweng in the South-East administration district have also been made, supporting needs of children with disabilities.
The objectives of Bana ba Mmala Trust
To continuously find innovative ways of engaging the youth and larger community in issues of culture, in a bid to preserve and learn about more about our culture. To present well researched facts about the people of Botswana in an appealing manner to the youth and Batswana at large. - To foster a sense of national pride and patriotism - To leverage on cultural values to address behavioural challenges of a modern and global world.
WHY CULTURE
Culture builds nations, culture builds interest and is a also tool for competitiveness, for Botswana.
Culture plays a critical role in enhancing the brand image of a country towards its desired brand vision.
For Botswana, culture is an important aspect of nation branding, especially that the country is largely based on tourism
“A rich cultural life makes a complete place rather than just a tourist destination, a place worth visiting at different times of the year, a place with a broader social appeal.” – Simon Anholt on Nation Branding”
Botswana has a range of tourism attractions to offer locals and visitors. Son of the Soil brings the cultural life.
Where people come to:
- Reconnect
- Celebrate identity
- Celebrate identity
- Embrace cultural diversity
- Enjoy authenticity
Through Son of the Soil (S.O.T.S), the objective is to continuously find innovative ways of engaging the youth and the community around issues of culture, in a bid to preserve and learn about Batswana’s various indigenous practices and celebrations. S.O.T.S invites the participation of other cultures, in Africa and globally. It is an enjoyable, creatively curated and culturally captivating event that has created its own market.