19 Jul 2016

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr Thapelo Olopeng has applauded President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama for initiating the President’s Day competitions.
Mr Olopeng said the celebrations had succeeded in getting young people to be meaningfully engaged in activities of economic gain.
He was speaking during the 9th President Day’s Awards ceremony in Gaborone on July 19.
“It is all thanks to your ingenuity Your Excellency. The creative industry will be eternally grateful for the major turnaround that this competition has brought to the industry,” he said.
Mr Olopeng said the growth was not only in terms of participation levels, but was also in the quality of products and services.
“There has been a tremendous growth in the participation levels since the start of the competitions in 2008 with 3 274 participants as compared to 18 971 registered participants in 2016,” he said.
In order to further display the diverse culture of Botswana, he said, new categories were introduced from time to time adding that they introduced stamp design and mentorship awards for the performing and visual arts categories as well as the separation of the Seperu traditional song and dance category for Chobe and Okavango districts and the introduction of the large section of the choral music category.
“This is demonstrated by marketing of creative industries, the level of arts and culture activities across the country, international exposure and improvement in the artists’ livelihoods,” he said.
Mr Olopeng further said the nation had a lot to celebrate as the country reached its 50th year of independence adding that Botswana had realised tremendous growth in terms of the economy, democracy, governance, health, social cohesion, sport as well as the arts.
“Today marks the 73rd days towards the independence celebrations on the 30th September 2016 as we celebrate our 50th anniversary as a country. We can stand tall and say we are a united and proud nation,” he said.
He said there was need to celebrate “the legacy left for us by our parents and founding fathers of this country and there can not be any better way than arts.”
According to the minister, the talent shown on the show formed significant portion of the BOT50 celebrations.
“Our plan is to showcase this talent and more in front of local audiences as part of the celebrations. But some will also perform outside. We take pride in our own people and their ability. Let us be proud of our country and its flag.”
He challenged the nation to start celebrating the achievement of its people.
Presentation of awards to winners ranged from poetry, comedy and drama, traditional instruments, contemporary music, traditional song and dikhwaere amongst others. ENDS