Khoisan arrive to showcase ancient culture at Biggest Braai

A Khoisan delegation from Botswana has arrived in the country ahead of the Embiveni Biggest Braai, bringing with them a rich cultural heritage that will offer visitors a unique glimpse into one of Africa’s oldest indigenous communities.

The group entered the country through the Ngwenya Border Post yesterday at around 6:40pm, where they were officially welcomed by Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane together with Philani Maswati Charity Organisation Chairman Lutfo Dlamini.

Speaking during the welcoming ceremony, Simelane said government was delighted to host the visitors, describing their participation as an opportunity for locals to learn about the Khoisan way of life through traditional performances and cultural exchanges.

She announced that the group would stage a special performance for learners at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre before taking centre stage again during the Embiveni Biggest Braai on Saturday.

The minister encouraged the public to attend both events, saying the performances would go beyond entertainment by showcasing the Khoisan people’s traditions, customs and unique cultural identity.

“There is a lot that people can learn from their way of life,” she said, urging families, schools and culture enthusiasts to attend in large numbers.

She said people could, for example, learn how the Khoisan cooked their food and preserved their meat.

Meanwhile, Dlamini said the delegation travelled more than 840 kilometres from the northern parts of Botswana to participate in the Biggest Braai.

He said the group departed Botswana on Monday morning and was excited to finally arrive in the country.

Dlamini revealed that the delegation would be accommodated at Malolotja Nature Reserve during their stay and invited the public to experience Khoisan culture firsthand by attending their performances.