Botswana: The Deputy District Commissioner, Ramogaupi Gaborekwe, has urged the artists to relay messages of Gender Based Violence and drug abuse, which remain a concern in the country.
This was said by the Deputy District Commissioner, Mr Ramogaupi Gaborekwe, during his keynote address at the North-West regional competitions of the National Arts Festival held at Botswana Open University in Maun over the weekend.
Deputy Commissioner Ramogaupi Gaborekwe underlined the need for artists to spread the message of GBV and drug abuse in order to inform their followers and the community through their art following the rampant cases. He said this will be a way of encouraging the public to behave and to make them aware of the negative repercussions of GBV in society.
He reiterated for self development among the creatives explaining that by developing themselves with soft skills, they will grow their creativity in leaps. Mr Ramogaupi Gaborekwe also encouraged performers to leverage the internet by selling their art through ICT.
When speaking about the theme for the competitions, he stated that artists need to utilize digitalization and mindset change in order to contribute to the economy.
He further appreciated the government of Botswana for the establishment of the newly launched Botswana National Arts Council, which will contribute meaningfully to the economy of this country by developing the creative sector in all its facets.
The region hosted three (3) categories of Choral, Mogolokwane and Poetry in contemporary and traditional poetry.
The results of the competition were as follows:
CHORAL
1. Nxai Choral from Diphuduhudu
2. Maun Choir from Maun
1. Onkarabile Tselakgopo from Nokaneng
2. Mareledi Ramonna from Maun
3. Carphus Sefo from Maun
CONTEMPORARY POETRY
1. Thandy Kereeditse from Maun
2. Keoikantse Keogotsitse from Maun
3. Orefile Santudu from Maun.
1. Okabo Gaopelo from Maun
2. Christian Keolebogile from Maun
3. Dorris Zimona from Maun