15 Jun 2023

Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) has announced a P300 000 sponsorship for KTM Choir’s trip to the 12^th World Choir Games to be held in Gangneung South Korea in July.

The choir received the sponsorship just two months after receiving yet another sponsorship from FNBB Foundation for the same mission.

The sponsorships followed the KTM Choir board member Judge Mookodi’s appeal to the nation for sponsorship and partnership. 

He explained that the choir needed P2.3 million to cover the South Korea trip costs for 50 choristers.

“We are grateful for this gesture from ODC and hope it grows from strength to strength,” said Mookodi at the ODC sponsorship announcement on Wednesday. 

He said KTM choir had over the years contributed to, among others, preservation of Botswana culture through song.

Mookodi said the choir existed to create opportunities for youthful choristers in the creative space, which allow them to be diverse in their craft.

KTM Choir has already groomed artistes such as Lizibo, who is now boasting 10 years as a professional in the music game, Luka Disho, who is a composer, conductor and vocalist, and a jazz artiste, Punah Gabasiane, among others.

When giving words of encouragement, ODC managing director, Mmetla Masire noted that the sponsorship represented ODC’s commitment to supporting local talent and fostering cultural enrichment.

“As a company deeply rooted in the diamond industry, we recognise the importance of adding value to Botswana diamonds by promoting and nurturing creativity.

We firmly believe that the arts play a pivotal role in inspiring and uplifting individuals as well as communities, and we are delighted to align ourselves with KTM Choir,” said Masire.

He said they felt honoured to partner with KTM Choir, an ensemble known for its dedication to choral music and commitment to sharing the joy of Setswana culture through music with audiences far and wide.

“We are proud to be part of a journey of these Botswana diamonds as they inspire the international audience with their enchanting Setswana traditional performances and make a lasting impact in the international stage,” Masire said.

Masire further encouraged stakeholders to come on board and support the arts and sports in the country. 

He said ODC’s focus would be on unpopular sporting codes because they seldom secure sponsorships.

The choir will be competing in the Folklore category.

The games start on July 4, but KTM will not go through the elimination process, but only proceed straight to the finale stage, by virtue of winning a gold medal at the 2019 European Choir Games.

As such , the choir will leave for South Korea on July 7. 

The ODC P300 000 sponsorship return on investment entails acknowledging of ODC on KTM Choir website, merchandise when travelling to and from Korea. 

Furthermore, ODC will display collateral at five KTM concerts. 

The choir will also support the company at two of their charity events by entertaining the guests. Ends