22 Jul 2014

The President’s Day competitions climaxed with an award ceremony that saw the young and old rewarded for their artistic excellence on July 22.

From across regions, visual and performing artists were rewarded for their creativity and excellence in promoting and preserving Botswana culture.

Prizes ranged from P25 000 per group to P10 000 for individual performers with the biggest awardee receiving P50 000.

Prizes are awarded to artists to encourage them to work hard to put Botswana in the international market in the area of arts.

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama and Vice President Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe graced the awards ceremony where  the big winners had the opportunity to shake hands with the President. Oratile Ketshabile from Serowe and Ms Mbure Tohemwe from Etsha 13 were double winners as they both walked away with prizes which amounted to P20 000 each.

Ketshabile won the Drawing Award as well as the National Basket and Craft while Ms Tohemwe won the Closed Basketry and the National Art Award. Same ‘Zeus’ Bantsi walked away P50 000 richer under the Best Music Video.

Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Vincent Seretse said the competitions gave equal opportunities to artists across the country.

Seretse said the competitions have developed into one of Botswana’s top arts brands as reflected by the high participation levels and the improving quality of presentations every year.

“Participation levels have increased from 3 274 at inception in 2008 to over 22 000 this year,” he highlighted.

He said significant growth was experienced this year with a 56 per cent increase in participation compared to 2013. He added that it was an indication that local artists have recognised the value of participating in the competitions.

The competitions, he said, were aimed at empowering artists as a demonstration that the arts could  become a source of livelihood. 

He noted that participating groups and individuals won cash prizes in order to uplift their lives, adding that the total sum amounted to P3.1 million.

“It is our hope that the funds will be used wisely and the participants will develop into artists of repute,” he said.

The competitions, which started at the regional level, showcase Batswana talent in the creative and performing arts and include traditional song and dance, contemporary music, choral music, traditional instruments, visual arts and crafts.

The theme for this year’s competitions was Towards Artistic Excellence by 2016.

This year the ministry introduced new categories such as Best Playwright, Best Actor and Actress, Best Model – Male and Female, Best in Dressmaking and Best in Jewellery. ENDS