30 Aug 2015

Minister of Youth Sport and Culture, Mr Thapelo Olopeng has encouraged Ngamiland youth to explore businesses appropriate to their environment.

Speaking at Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture open day in Maun on Friday August 28, Mr Olopeng said young people should harness the opportunities provided by the rich culture and wildlife in Ngamiland when considering businesses.

He noted that his ministry aims to assist young people to have a source of living as unemployment remains rife in the country. Mr Olopeng who is also MP for Tonota said his ministry intends to set standard prices for performing artistes to guard against exploitation by those who require their services.

“Local artistes are also good, the notion that their foreign counterparts are crowd pullers should stop,” he said. Minister Olopeng said his ministry is targeting to promote music and art forms to be of economic benefit to the artists.

He informed the gathering that there were plans for a second national television channel which will be directed by his ministry which will give local artistes exposure.

Furthermore, he said young people should not shun their culture but should celebrate it as their symbol of nationhood. Minister Olopeng said Botswana can explore international markets and open traditional food facilities in other countries.

He pointed that his ministry held a week long senior management forum in Maun and therefore chose to have cultural activities and an open day to meet with young people.

The minister and other dignitaries had a chance to view stalls of young people with projects funded by his ministry  Meanwhile, multitudes of people were treated to an abundance of cultural festivities at Thari E Ntsho premises in Disaneng on Thursday at a cultural night and graced by Minister Olopeng.

The event held at Ms Bontekanye Botumile of Thari E Ntsho did not disappoint and the attendants were treated to traditional performances. These ranged from Diware or Mbukushu dance, Tsutsube and poetry by Tshepang Rahuma and Batshidi Moeti and traditional cuisine such as Bogobe ja lerotse, Tswii and Koko Ya Setswana. ENDS