Arid Regional Cultural Event in Namaqua National Park

Wow the arid Regional Cultural event was an amazing day with over 250 people visiting Namaqua National Park for an afternoon of cultural activities. Two bits of the day really stand out for me, firstly meeting P&C colleagues from the other four parks in the Arid region, including Rebecca the GVI at Kgalagadi and the regional P&C manager Angela. The second was ‘Vukani Ma Africa’ (Wake up Africa), a group of singers and dancers representing the Tswana culture.

The songs were about Kings and animals, especially the Eland and the Monkey which used to surround their environment. They wore ankle rattles to create rhythm in the dance, traditionally these would have been made from the seeds of the camel thorn tree known as "dikhwena" in Tswana. Today they are made from plastic drinks bottles, a wonderful recycling idea.

A great time was had by all, loads of hard work but well worth it.

Written by: Viv Pink

GVI intern at Namaqua National Park

Arid Regional Cultural Event in Namaqua National Park