19 Jun 2023

Government is committed to explore alternative drivers of the economy through diversification, says North East District Officer Administration, Wapapha Ramotiti.

Speaking during the regional creative and arts competition in Masunga on Saturday, Ramotiti said the creative industry needed to improve the standard and quality. 

“We need to contribute towards the economy of this country and not only bank on the mining industry,” she said adding that there was need to explore other economic drives in the country.

Ramotiti further said the creative industry could be a great source of economic growth, job creations in innovation, trade, social inclusion, cultural diversity or sustainable development.

She urged the creative industry to take heed of the President’s Reset Agenda and the Value Chain Development priority, so that they were not left behind.

“Stop, look back and start afresh to reclaim your position as artists and map out your contribution towards the economy of the country,” she said. Ramotiti urged all artists to explore availed performance platforms to improve their quality of music, adding that they should employ digital platforms and advertise themselves and their products.

Furthermore, she said through the use of digital technology, the creative industry has the potential to brand and market the country and their products as well.

She said it was eminent to note that people in the creative industry have purpose in life as they were talented and gifted to make it happen for themselves.

Ramotiti advised artists to cease working solo as teamwork was paramount in archiving all projects.

On the other hand, she said while the creative industry was one of the hard hit by COVID-19, it was time to bounce back and contribute to the growth of the country.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture (MYSC) District coordinator, Onthatile Takaruana said the objective of the day was to develop the creative talent of the artists and develop performance and presentations skills of artists.

Also to assist artists to realise their full potential and contribution towards the economy and the economic diversification drive. The other objective was to showcase the diversity and uniqueness of culture as a nation and raise the profiles of Botswana artists. ENDs