- Credit: Alamy stock photo
Credit: Alamy stock photo
Credit: Botswana Reservations (botswana-reservations.com)
Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. Formerly Bechuanaland Protectorate under the British, Botswana adopted its new name after gaining independence on 30 September 1966.
It is one of Africa’s most stable countries and the continent’s longest continuous multi-party democracy to date.
Sparingly populated, Botswana protects some of Africa’s largest areas of wilderness. Safari-based tourism is an important source of income. Botswana is also the world’s second largest diamond producer and the trade transformed the country from the being one of the poorest in the world into a middle income nation.
When asked what she loves most about her country, Ludo Maphorisa, a Limkokwing University Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Communication with Psychology student said, “I love the Botswana traditional dance; it is unique, rhythmic, expressive and infectious also full of feeling,” Ludo said.
Music, dance and singing are an integral part of everyday activities, modern-day ceremonies and weddings in Botswana. Children are taught traditional music and dance at primary school. The Botswana traditional dance troupes are usually an equal mix of men and women. They wear animal skins, shells and beaded jewellery.
One other striking feature about the Republic of Botswana is the Okavango; the world’s second largest inland delta. Located in the north-western part of the country, it comprises permanent marshlands and seasonally flooded plains. It is one of the few major interior delta systems that do not flow into a sea or ocean, with a wetland system that is almost intact.
Ludo had an opportunity to learn about other countries during the Limkokwing University cultural festival.
“It was amazing how many cultures were represented at the festival I’m glad I chose to study at Limkokwing. When I’m on campus I feel like I’m visiting different countries at once, so far I have friends from over 10 countries which I wouldn’t have otherwise.”
“It’s important for students to be culturally savvy, because now employers value an awareness and sensitivity to issues of culture, race and ethnicity,” said Ludo.