17 Jul 2019

Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development says government can only develop performing arts through Private Public Partnerships (PPPs).

Tshekedi Khama was speaking at this year’s President’s Day competitions awards held at Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) on July 16.

Minister Khama also emphasised the need to unleash Botswana talent for the world to see.

“Talent in this form needs to be taken seriously. We should not deprive ourselves and the world to see what Batswana have to offer.”

On the other hand, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and First Lady Neo Masisi were among performing artists as well as other senior government officials attending this year’s awards.

President Masisi and the First Lady both awarded two awards, Best in Mentorship (Visual Arts) to MmaMontshonyana Ditsheko of Molepolole who has been involved in traditional pottery for 56 years as well as Best in Mentorship (Performing Arts) to David Slater for his contribution in the performing arts.

Former presidents, Seretse Khama Ian Khama and Festus Mogae also attended the awards.

Meanwhile, Minister Khama indicated that this year’s competitions had shown popularity and growth from 3 274 participants in 2008 when they started to 14 280 this year.

He said after Botswana’s partnership with ITB Berlin in 2016 when the ensemble ILoveBotswana performed in Berlin, tourism accounts in Botswana flourished as a result of the art showcased in that country.

Two years later, he said another performance by ILoveBotswana ensemble at Broadway in New York made an impact on the international stage with their Pula production.

He added that research showed that the value of crafts globally reached US$526 billion in 2017, and expected to reach US$928 billion by 2023.

Furthermore, he said research also showed that live music industry would be worth US$31 billion in 2022, out of which US$24 billion would be from tickets sales.

He said it was important for Botswana to be a part of such investment, adding ‘this in itself is an opportunity to create sustainable jobs and to develop Botswana arts further and take that bold step.’

Meanwhile, competitions started at regional level and winners proceeded to the national finals to showcase their creativity.

All winners across various categories ranging from visual, performing and design, were bestowed with awards. ENDS