04 Jul 2018

Poetry is one of the forms of art that often gets dismissed as whimsical and unimportant.

However, it is a powerful instructional tool and an important art to study at any age as well as a way to understand how language and symbol systems work.

This was said by renowned local poet, Moroka Moreri at the President’s Day Celebrations poetry competition over the weekend.

Moreri has urged local poets to use their talent as a means to making a living indicating that gone were the days when poets were just given meals at events after reciting their poems.

Today, he said people were paid for their God given talent.

“Poets used to just spice up things at social gatherings and no significant remuneration was given, but this has changed since the introduction of these competitions by former President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama and we have seen the performing arts industry grow,” he said.

Meanwhile, there were only two categories; contemporary and traditional poetry and the competition was held under the theme: Creative Industries; a Vehicle for Sustainable Development’.

In the contemporary poetry category, Kgosietsile Dlamini from South East District got position one, Obokeng Kagiso  from Central District got position two and Lame Pusetso from Kgalagadi District got third position.

Galenkgathe Taunyane from Central District, Omphile Lefutswe from South East District and Mompati Mokhokho from Southern District got position one, two and three respectively in the traditional poetry category.

The winners will receive their awards at a ceremony to be held on July 17. ENDS