08 Jul 2015

It is no longer fitting for artistes to be invited to entertain guests during events only to be appreciated with a plate of food.

Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture (MYSC) acting coordinator in South East District, Banyanafela Batsima, echoed this recently during a market day organised by the ministry in Ramotswa.

She said that the ministry endeavours to market local artistes and support them to ensure that they get rewarded for their various talents.

Batsima said the market day gave artistes an opportunity to sell their produce.

Further, she pointed out that government believes that local artists can make a living out of their talent hence it has advised that locally produced crafts be bought to re-decorate offices.

For her part, Balete Paramount chief Kgosi Mosadi Seboko reiterated that the government supports local artistes through initiatives such as the President’s Day Arts competitions.

She encouraged the local community to take advantage of the initiative to market their products.

She encouraged youth to invest in other sectors such as small stock farming and horticulture to improve their lives.

She noted that it is currently difficult in the local market for artistes to make a living out of arts alone, and therefore need to be broad in their thinking.

Another speaker, South East District Council chairman Phenyo Segokgo said the world over the arts have produced celebrated multimillionaires. He noted that time has come for the local arts industry to produce world celebrated artists and millionaires.

He noted that for that to happen, artists will need the support of local authorities. He said the South East District will soon create a recreational park which will have space for performing artistes.

Segokgo also said that talent can contribute towards creating employment for the youth if it is well nurtured. The market day was the ministry’s first in the district, and it will be held quarterly. Ends