23 Feb 2016

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr Thapelo Olopeng says his ministry did not nominate Ngwao Lotshwao to go and represent He said Ngwao Lotshwao made its own efforts and acquired sponsorship from other entities.

“The government however assisted in part with travel expenses and living allowances to the tune of P498 675.75,” said Minister Olopeng. He, however, explained that Ngwao Lotshwao was nominated once to represent Botswana as they were winners in the 2013 President’s competitions, in the Hosanna category.

“The trip was about two months and the benefits were to expose Botswana’s culture to the international community,” said the minister, adding that it was also for networking purposes, giving Botswana artists exposure and for cultural exchange that encourages mutual understanding and respect for each other between nations.

The MP for Gaborone North, Mr Haskins Nkaigwa had asked the minister to state the criteria used to select Ngwao Lotshwao group to represent Botswana in the Netherlands, and how much government spent on the group for the trip.
Mr Nkaigwa also wanted the minister to state the number of times the group has been selected to represent the country, and also the length of the trip and what was expected to be achieved from the trips. Ends