04 Nov 2019

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness Ruth Maphorisa says fashion industry is perceived as the highlight of the definition of who Batswana are and their culture as a nation, due to its colourful nature and vibrancy.

Officially opening the third Masa Fashion Show themed; Spotlight on Botswana, over the weekend Maphorisa said the local Industry was mostly led by passionate and vibrant young people.

She noted that in most developed countries, fashion was one of the major contributors to the economy and a source of employment. 

The Fashion Show attracted by 15 Batswana designers. 

She said Botswana had come a long way in her journey in celebrating her uniqueness and diversity through cultural practices noting that an event like Masa Fashion Show gave Batswana an opportunity to enjoy and reflect on who they are in relation to their culture.

Being one of the prestigious activities which brings together the best of Batswana’s Fashion Designers, Art lovers and Models under one roof, the activity has unearthed and marketed talent since its inception, she said. She also said the event did not only bring together fashion designers and models but also brought to the same space fashion enthusiasts, art lovers, models, curators and art collectors.

“Our deepest desire as a country is to see the fashion industry also carving its niche in the sectors which contributes to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). When we introduced the fashion show as one of the President’s Day Celebration categories in 2012 we had a vision to identify and nurture talent which we discovered.”

Maphorisa added that a lot still needed to be done, but they took pride that they had started on the right foot. 

The locals who had the privilege to grace the past annual fashion shows, can attest that the design pieces showcased and displayed in the previous shows were a proof of a growing sector with meticulous work and clinical precision as well as high levels of creativity and skill. 

Maphorisa said the cuts witnessed in such Fashion Shows were a testimony of the talent Batswana possessed. 

She said the young local designers had displayed talent and artistic excellence with most pieces made out of leteisi and other materials.

“Tonight we celebrate our Botswana and the many young minds, hearts and hands that have worked to stitch, style, brush, strut and shoot our story into existence.”

Giving a vote of thanks Masa Square General Manager Hayden Bowl thanked the hotel employees and Umzingeli Productions who worked together towards the success of the event. 

He also thanked sponsors who included Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports & Culture Development, MAC Brands Unlimited, Cosmetics, Hair Essential, White Label Fragrances, Woolworths, Timba Trading, Liberty Life, Grand Salts and Sauces, Emergency Assist, The Voice, Audi, Yarona FM, Organic, Botswana Tourism, VBN, SA Express, Brand Botswana, Gifts by B, Pholalla Events, Lengau Wines, and Maru TV. ENDS