08 Feb 2015

A principal programmes officer in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (MYSC), Bernard Kaisara has said the revival of culture can not only be used in nation building but can also be used for income generation.

Kaisara was speaking at a one day capacity building workshop, organized by Thokgamo Choir and MYSC for traditional choir members in Tonota on Saturday, February 7.

He said that it is important for Batswana not to embrace foreign cultures while looking down upon their culture. He urged them to revive their culture and appreciate it can help generate income.

He cited that one way of generating income could be by organising traditional choir festivals for all the choirs in the Tonota area and charge revellers an entrance fee.

Kaisara said festivals could also assist in marketing the Tonota area citing the Kgatleng choirs that he said had made the area famous in the country.

He informed the choirs that his office was open should they have ideas or suggestion on how they feel they could benefit from utilizing  their talent. 

Kaisara said traditional groups should not be seen to be only active when preparing for the Presidential competitions and other events.

He further advised the choirs to form an association to make it easier for their voices to be heard at different forums and to make it easier for MYSC to engage them.

Kgosi Ramosinyi Radipitse called for unity among the choirs saying their unity could assist in building the community of Tonota.

Kgosi Radipitse said though in a group there are always differences, just like in the army, they should put their difference aside in order to accomplish the mission of their groups. He appealed to the choirs to ensure they preserve the culture for future generations.

The chairperson of Thokgamo Choir, Bateng Bailaphuti encouraged the choirs to be actively involved in all activities in the villages.

He said choirs should not be seen as only interested in prize money from competitions and entertaining people but should also use their talent to raise funds for charity.

Bailaphuti implored the choirs to come up with ways on how they could raise funds for a child in Mmandunyane who was diagnosed with a kidney disease.He encouraged choirs not to use competitions to create hatred a but instead work together. ENDS