24 Sep 2018

As the country gears up to celebrate 52 years of independence, the creative industry is expected to take the centre stage.

   Speaking at the Independence Day celebrations carnival march that convened at Old Naledi, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development said  the creative industry was powerful enough to turn the economy around.

  He noted that the country has a number of international partners and cultural agreements and memorandum of agreements with other countries in order to share and exchange cultural practices. 

  As part of the independence celebrations a combined church service was held on Sunday.

“On September 29 the celebrations will be led by Botswana Defence Force, Botswana Police Service, Botswana Prisons Service and my ministry,” he said.

He noted that on September 30, which is the big day, the main celebrations would take place at the National Stadium in Gaborone.

Speaking at the carnival, the minister said he was honoured to officiate at the event, which kick-started the country’s independence celebrations.

Batswana walked from different corners of the city in celebration of their diverse cultures and heritage. They displayed different artistic connotations in the visual and performing arts. The colourful display of culture and heritage attracted multitudes of followers.

“The carnival not only celebrates the cultures of our communities, but also the cultures and heritage of international partners residing in the country,” said Olopeng.

He further noted that the carnival afforded ordinary citizens the chance to partake in proceedings and enjoy the celebrations as they were part of it.

“We have the youth and elderly working together to celebrate their country’s culture and heritage,” he said, further acknowledging the presence of the patron of the arts and culture and 4^th President of Botswana, Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama at the celebrations.

Some of the artists that performed at the carnival, which started at White City, Gaborone West and Tsholofelo Park to Old Naledi, included Slizzer, Motlha and Mafitlhakgosi.

Multitudes of Old Naledi residents were also treated to the former president’s Polka dance moves. 

Meanwhile, Minister Olopeng said his ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, would soon complete a study on the creative industry. ENDS