Botswana: Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi has reiterated Government’s commitment to supporting and growing the creative industry. Speaking at the Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) Roadshow and Bootcamp Awards last night, President Masisi said Government had invested over P120 million to capacitate the sector while also continuing to work tirelessly to create regulatory policy and a conducive environment for the industry to flourish.
“One key highlight of Government’s commitment to transform the creative sector was the establishment of the National Arts Council, which is now actively discharging its mandate,” Dr Masisi said.
He further noted that Government continues to invest vast sums of money in the ICT infrastructure that supports the creative industry. Dr Masisi also revealed that Government was in the process of forming partnerships with global players in the creative industry, as Botswana’s small population and market potential essentially limit the maximum growth of the industry.
“We are, therefore, making concerted efforts to drive adherence to, and attainment of, quality of global standards in order to compete with the best in the world,” he noted.
The President urged the creatives to also show requisite commitment to their own development by applying themselves more. Dr Masisi also thanked the private sector for their contribution to supporting the growth of the creative industry, particularly highlighting his appreciation for MOPIPI International – a leading Social Marketing Organization who have committed to sponsoring some of the creatives to utilize their digital music app for the whole year and also sponsored some prizes.
When earlier welcoming guests, Minister for State President Honourable Kabo N.S. Morwaeng said the awards came after a Roadshow by RB2 and the Department of Broadcasting Services in collaboration with DJ Fresh of Big Dawg Productions. He said the Roadshow, which formed part of RB2’s 30 years anniversary celebrations, covered more than 50 villages and towns across the country, conducting 13 workshops that benefited over 900 participants.
Project Coordinator Thato Sikwane, popularly known as DJ Fresh, said the tour was mainly about developing the value chain in the creative industry. He said his company had employed 19 full-time staff and around 56 contracted staff from various citizen suppliers and service providers. DJ Fresh also said they had engaged over 750 various creatives from different fields, to which 55% of their total allocated budget went. 22% of the budget went to tourism and hospitality, he said.Â
The renowned DJ and Music Producer expressed his gratitude towards the abundance of talent within the creative industry.
The Best Team Work Award went to Team 75K, who walked away with P20,000. The Artists Choice Award was scooped by Pono, who also went home to P20,000 richer.Â
The Best Rising Star Award went to the trio of Ketso, Magda and Frank, who each won P10,000. The Best Styled Award was won by a group called Motshidisi, who walked away with P20,000.
The Top 3 Awards were won as follows:
- Position 3: KRK – P25,000 prize money and P100,000 worth of equipment.
- Position 2: Elni and Mindset – P50,000 and P125,000 worth of equipment.
- Position 1: Bono and Botizo: P75,000 and P150,000 worth of equipment, 1 handset and 1 year of data subscription from BTC and P150 monthly airtime for a year.
In recognition of their individual efforts, each of the 30 boot campers was awarded P10,000 for kickstarting their careers. They were also each accorded P100,000 worth of airtime at BTV, Radio Botswana and RB2 to market their music productions and bookings.