04 Jul 2023

 Fifteen artists will represent the Southern region at this year’s National Arts Festival Fashion Show grand finale to be held in Palapye on Saturday.

They were selected the crème de la crème during a regional competition in Jwaneng over the weekend.

The competitions attracted hairdressers, dressmakers, models and fashion designers from various areas in the southern part of the country such as Gaborone, Mogoditshane, Tlokweng, Ramotswa, Molepolole, Letlhakeng, Lobatse, Good Hope, Jwaneng, Kanye, Moshupa, Tsabong, Hukuntsi and Charleshill.

Oteng Lepere obtained position one under the Fashion Design category, followed by Albertinah Ntwaagae and Refilwe Elliot respectively. 

For Dressmaking, Otshepheng Modise emerged the winner, while second and third positions went to Gorata Mokopanele and Florence Ralesweng in that order.

Nurse Modukanele was named the best hairdresser, followed by Thabiso Tlou and Golebaone Seikano. 

The female and male modelling categories were won by Bakang Moabi and Edison Diako respectively, while Tlotlang Rantsimako and Botho Mmutle were named the female runner-ups, with Bakang Marumo and Gape Motshoge claiming second and third position for the male category.

Meanwhile, the district coordinator, Moeti Godisamang said this year’s National Arts competitions, held under theme; The Creative Economy: Botswana’s Economic Future Redefined, was aligned to the Reset Agenda’s objective of value chain development. 

He said the competitions were held in various locations across the country to enhance participation as well as to boost local economies in those areas.

“The idea is for business in different areas to benefit through services ranging from hospitality, catering, marketing and others,” he said.

Jwaneng mayor, Olga Ditsie said the competitions were intended to promote diversity and mindset change, while at the same time giving people the opportunity to showcase their talents and skills. 

She expressed optimism that the event would have a positive economic impact on the Jwaneng community and their businesses.

However, she noted that the designs showcased were also a reflection of Batswana, which in a way was connected to their culture. 

She urged participants to fully apply themselves in order to grow the industry. 

“Let me take this opportunity to urge all of you to guard the industry as a business and raise it to greater heights,” she said.

She implored them to strive for good quality designs that would sell their art, while at the same time practicing good customer service to retain clients and grow their businesses. ENDS