03 Feb 2015

Batswana have been encouraged to spread the HIV/AIDS message and not lose hope as one day the country will attain the set zero transmission and zero tolerance goals. 

Speaking at the closing ceremony of Nna Le Seabe HIV/AIDS Art Exhibition at the National Museum, deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture,  Kgopotso Ramoroka said he was glad that Batswana had played a role in spreading the  HIV/AIDS message over the years.

Ramoroka said he was impressed by the participation of physically challenged people in the art exhibition, especially one blind artist who did a poem in braille.

He was also grateful that physically disabled people were given chance to take part in such an important event. “Batswana should continue hoping that one day HIV/AIDS will no longer be a threat to our society and such initiatives will go a long way in making sure we get there,” he said.

The artwork on display included paintings, fashion designs and poems and they all had a message of hope regarding the HIV/AIDS pandemic. He further encouraged the public and private sector to purchase the artworks on display as this would also encourage the artists in the work.

Ramoroka also acknowledged the presence of Reginald Bakwena, coordinator of Thapong Visual Arts Centre and his work with artists.  The closing ceremony also witnessed winners from last year’s President Competitions who performed for the crowd, among them Sedibeng choir.

Ramoroka further emphasised the importance of art, saying it depicts messages that an ordinary person would not say

“Art is just any form of communication and we should utilise it to attain some if not most of our goals that we have set for ourselves as a country,” he said. ENDS