20 Apr 2021

As COVID-19 vaccination drive gains momentum, the entertainment industry is hopeful about the industry resuming business to enable them get back to their feet, after a period of no show due to the pandemic.

Though the vaccines provide a light at the end of the tunnel, no one knows how far the tunnel goes.

The industry is still reeling from the pandemic blows and would take it a while to be restored to were it was.

In an interview, Botswana Music Union (BOMU) president Phemelo Lesokwane noted that the roll out of the vaccine would assist the country contain the virus and eventually allow the industry to operate with sizeable numbers.

Lesokwane said the stipulated number of 50 people in events had not been helpful because it would be impossible to make profit with the allowed number.

He said the numbers were unreasonable for one to make a living out of.

However, he said with the vaccine roll out underway, they believed as the entertainment industry that numbers would be increased for their event gatherings to allow them to make profits.

Furthermore, Lesokwane said as an industry they were ready to assist government in the campaign for roll out of the vaccine to encourage the nation to take the COVID-19 jab.

The BOMU head said the union submitted proposals to the relevant authorities to use various artistes to encourage the nation on taking the vaccine.

However, Lesokwane said they were aware that this was not a cure but rather a means to contain the virus and lessen cases of hospitalisation as well as death.

 The president said if given the chance to open, the industry would continue to adhere to regulations in place.

He said in enhancing adherence to safety protocols, the industry was committed to selling only stipulated tickets in advance to the show as a way of keeping the numbers in check as per regulations.

Botswana received the first batch of the COVID-19 vaccine in March and started roll out in April.

Currently Botswana has vaccinated over 30 000 people and the vaccine roll out is still ongoing. ENDS