Bushmen entourage rocks Tubatse Crossing Tourism Info Centre
Tubatse
In line with its mission to promote regional tourism in Sekhukhune District, the Tubatse Crossing Shopping Mall has on Friday 24 May unveiled the Fetakgomo Tubatse Tourism Information Centre.
The unveiling drew considerable attention and brought shoppers in an exhilarating wave of joy and excitement during the premier of the tourism information centre.
Among visitors who were attending was Queen Katrina Esau of the San Nation, the revered Bushmen Royalty, graced the centre as part of the activation of the Platinum Stream Tourism Route.
The newly packaged route connects Fetakgomo Tubatse with the Kruger National Park to the north-east and the Mpumalanga towns of Middelburg and Lydenburg respectively.
The typical shopping routine took on an extraordinary dimension on that memorable Friday morning, with Queen Katrina Esau, along with the Bushmen Royalty of the N||ngǂe Royal House, made a grand entrance through entrance 3 of Tubatse Crossing Mall.
They were accompanied by esteemed kingship of the Bapedi Nation, led by royal kings’ men including Mokgomana Mamphekgo Makotanyane and Mokgomana Nyaku Morwamoche.
Tshepiso Mautlane, an excited shopper from Riba Cross, encapsulated the sentiment of many as she expressed her amazement after seeing the Bushmen Royalty.
“I have read about the Bushmen in school textbooks, seeing them with their queen was surreal,” she exclaimed.
The presence of Queen Katrina offered many shoppers the unique opportunity to take photographs with her, sharing their joy and admiration.
Adding to the cultural engagement, Sekhukhune Development Agency (SDA) Representative, Puleng Mmotla, addressed the community members while teaching them to greet Queen Katrina in the N|uu language.
He enthusiastically exclaimed, “ǂXonkia ǂXuu!!!”, meaning “hail the Queen,”, to which Queen Katrina graciously responded, “ǂXonkia Honekie,”, meaning, “greetings to everyone”.
Mmotla said the interaction was not only celebrating the heritage but also provided an enriching learning experience for all attendees.
“The activation of the Platinum Stream Tourism Route and the presence of Queen Katrina significantly heightened interest in the Bushmen Rock Shelter Heritage Site. Shoppers and community members were encouraged to visit this main attraction, which was a key motivation for Queen Katrina’s visit to Fetakgomo Tubatse,” he said.
Mmotla added that the event at Tubatse Crossing Mall was more than a mere visit and was a vibrant celebration of heritage and tourism, fostering a deeper connection between the community and their rich cultural history.
“The morning’s activities not only enlivened the mall but also highlighted the importance of cultural preservation and tourism development in the region,” he said.
