10 Dec 2020

Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development has assured artists that consultation with key stakeholders is ongoing to find solutions to the adverse effects of COVID-19 on the creative industry.

A press release from the ministry says it regrets the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry, particularly the performing arts, as artists and promoters had not been able to host or perform in events that provide a livelihood for them and families due to the health protocols in place to manage the spread of the pandemic.

The release states that to mitigate the pandemic effects, an Economic Relief Programme was implemented and artists were engaged in different activities that sought to relieve them economically.

It further states that the ministry regrets that some artists and promoters assembled a public gathering at Old Naledi grounds on 8 December and failed to comply with the health protocols and the State of Emergency Regulations.

The release says while the ministry understands the predicament that the creative industry is facing, the ministry has to support government efforts in the fight against the pandemic.

“While permission was sought from relevant authorities, it was expected that conveners would ensure that all attendants would comply to the COVID-19 health protocols. But this did not happen as the number of attendants exceeded the set number  of 50 including young children, a significant number  did not wear masks and there was no social distancing,” states the release. 

This, the ministry says, has the potential to defeat all the efforts and achievements  realised thus far in the fight against the pandemic. “The blatant disregard of the COVID-19 health protocols is unacceptable and cannot be condoned,” states the release. 

It also calls upon all creatives to always obey the law even when they seek to make their voices heard, which is a right for all citizens. “This has to be done with utmost respect and within the confines of the law,” says the release. 

It further highlights that the ministry is very much alive to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 restrictions on the sector and the ministry will continue to engage relevant stakeholders to get the performing arts back on track. 

Meanwhile, Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) president Phemelo Lesokwane Alias Freshles Lesokwane has pleaded with union members and non-members to refrain from participating in actions that put their health at risk including threatening members of the public.

“We are adamant that if united in purpose we will ultimately agree a safe and appropriate re-opening strategy that will consequently ensure that all artist and key players in the entertainment industry recover sustainably from unfortunate impact of the global scare,” states a press release from BOMU.

It further implores all union members and other stakeholders to come forward and propose appropriate alternatives for considerations.

The release says the artists have revealed that the prolonged closure of entertainment activations such as festivals and concerts have grossly dented the industry.

It states that they do recognise that the health and safety of all should be prioritised given the global health pandemic that has affected all countries around the globe.“BOMU continues to engage with the ministry to explore safer measures that can be deployed to enable the re-opening of the industry,” says the release. Ends