08 Sep 2015

In an effort to empower small entrepreneurs, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture organised a market day for artists to sell their products in Gaborone recently.

A senior official at the ministry, Mr Jacob Sekgoni said they organised the day to complement initiatives such as Constituency Art competitions, President’s Day competitions which give artists a platform to showcase their products locally and internationally.

He said the goal now was to ensure that artists get a platform sell their products and to create employment for others. Mr Sekgoni also noted that his ministry has been allocated P500 000 to buy products such as paitings from local artists.

Meanwhile, a good number of artists took advantage of the day to display and sell various products ranging from baskets, African dolls, hand-made bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Most of the entrepreneurs and artists who took advantage of the day to sell their products, expressed happiness at the opportunity.

One of the artists who specialises in handbags and bracelets made of wood and glass beads, Ms Segolame Tsae commended the ministry for organising the day. She said the market day was beneficial to her as she was to sell her products  and share her skills and abilities.

Ms Tsae noted that she started her business last year and managed to scope position one at the President’s Day competitions for the Gaborone region and the Women’s Expo in the accessories category. 

She makes handbags with wooded and glass beads which were a hit with customers.She said her goal was to expand her business with the help from any quarter so that she could sell her products outside Gaborone and even to foreign countries. Ends