Another Successful Day For The African Region As We Celebrate Kalela Dance From Zambia

Today the Delegation of Botswana experts successfully submitted an amendment to the draft decision on behalf of Zambia who nominated KALELA DANCE for Inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Initially, the nomination was deferred by the Evaluation Body and Zambia was invited to re-submit to the Committee for examination during a cycle which would have taken 2 years to conclude.

Botswana strongly believed that the element should be inscribed and advanced reasons which were supported by the Inter-Governmental Committee.

When submitting this file, Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Hon Tumiso Rakgare pleaded for the nomination to be considered as it will raise awareness in the African Region and be a motivation for other African countries to submit their Intangible Cultural Heritage for Inscription.

Hon Rakgare noted that in “Answering to UNESCO’s Global Priority Africa, we are of the view that Zambia should be listened to and their case be considered”

KALELA DANCE is a form of entertainment used during traditional ceremonies, funerals, harvest celebrations and other important occasions. The dance originated during colonial times in the Luapula Province of Zambia. It was adopted by mine workers and used for entertainment at the Chief’s Palace during traditional ceremonies.

Following this amendment by Botswana and Zambia’s statement which was endorsed by Committee Members, Kalela Dance was successfully inscribed on UNESCO List of the Intangble Cultural Heritage for Humanity.

The Delegation of Zambia expressed their heartfelt appreciation to Botswana for her support.