25 Nov 2021

Moshupa Sub-district Council fashion show will go a long way in providing fashion designers an opportunity to realise their economic potential and to penetrate the market.

University of Botswana lecturer, Ms Seikokotlelo Motlogelwa said this at a fashion show organised by Moshupa Sub-district Council, where models showcased garments from over fifteen fashion designers from the sub-district.

Ms Motlogelwa said there was need for government to intervene and address challenges faced by small businesses in an effort to uplift them.

She hailed efforts by the sub-district council to organise the show, noting it would provide exposure to fashion designers.

Ms Motlogelwa underscored the need for the designers to understand that they play a major role in the growth of the country’s economy.

Government, she explained, had provided support for SMMEs to establish their businesses and participate meaningfully in the economy.

In that regard, she implored the designers to focus more on innovation, entrepreneurship and business development.

“Participation of fashion designers is crucial towards the country achieving industrial and economic development, and as such they are expected to be the key drivers of sustainable growth in Botswana in decades to come,” she said.

She highlighted that for them to grow they should vigorously advertise their businesses and consider product differentiation and positioning.

Ms Motlogelwa implored fashion designers to ensure that their products were availed as agreed with their consumers.

In his welcome remarks, Moshupa Sub-district Council chairperson, Mr Peter Sethibe acknowledged efforts made by the designers in contributing to employment creation.

He said through their participation, government was convinced that they would unlock economic opportunities to achieve inclusive growth and sustainable employment for others.

“We are aware of the challenges of unemployment affecting our country. Through your participation in the market such matters will be reversed,” he said.

Challenges of unemployment require radical shifts, she said adding that the sub-council recognised the need to invest more in small enterprises as they were the key drivers of economic growth and job creation.

The event was held under the theme: Marketing SMME’s To Attain High Income and Sustainable Growth”. ENDS