31 May 2016

President's Day competitions have played a major role in promoting culture, diversifying economy and creating employment for talented youth.

Southern District coordinator of arts and culture, Phineas Kgare said when officially opening the Southern Region President's Day Competitions on traditional dances in Kanye on Saturday that through the competitions, the

Department of Arts and Culture sought to unearth different talents that have been otherwise hidden.  He applauded President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama for the initiative.
He said the aim of the competitions was to showcase talents, more especially among the youth to keep them away from indulging in drugs and crime.

He encouraged the youth to promote their artistic talents at all levels to create employment for themselves by engaging in businesses. Kgare said arts could also help in the diversification of the economy.

The coordinator further encouraged business community to assist in developing and supporting arts in the country. He appealed to the competitors to work hard in order to attract those who are not interested.

For his part, deputy chairperson of Kanye Administrative Authority,  Thamiso Chabalala encouraged youth to form groups and work as teams to unearth the talents. He said as youth they should travel a lot to broaden their scope.

Chabalala encouraged the artists to be innovative and share ideas. The competing categories included Tsutsube, Sebirwa, Phathisi, Setapa and Hosana dances.

Hosana, Tsutsube and Sebirwa groups locked horns at Kanye Education Centre while the rest were at Seepapitso Senior Secondary School.

Hosana was won by Mabutswapele from Gaborone, Sebirwa trophy was snatched by Ba ga Mmanaana from Thamaga while Tsutsube was won by Gata la Tau from Gaborone.
 Winners will represent Southern region at the national competitions to be held in Gaborone during the President's Holidays. Ends