09 Aug 2016

It is a dream come true for Batshidi Moeti who will represent Botswana during an international film festival in the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia .

 The 22-year-old lady from Maun who has made strides in poetry will tomorrow fly to the Caribbean Island on invitation by the Umoja Communication Company to take part in the 2016 Piton International Film Festival (PIFF) scheduled for August 15 -26.

Friends and family held a fare well party over the weekend to wish her all the best, and motivate and advise her to display acceptable behaviour while away representing the country. 

The event attracted fellow artistes amongst them Diuwa Cultural Group, Tapson Gaoabiwe who is a guitarist and an upcoming poet Tshepo Monnawapula.

In an interview, Moeti could not hide her excitement as she had finally managed to secure sponsorship from the Ministry of Youth Sport and Culture, the business community and some individuals.

The youthful woman has been struggling with finances and could not give up as she knocked on every door to ask for donations. “I managed at last and I thank God for giving me the strength to keep on asking for donations. Finally I have realised my dream of representing my country,” she added.

She also thanked all the business community, individuals, government departments, private sectors and all who made it possible for her to make her dream come true.

Moeti is expected to be part of a showcase concert and poetry dubbed Praising Positive Energy (PPE) which aims to spotlight artistes that are using their talents to earn a living and make the global community a better place.

She assured Batswana that she would do all in her power to raise the flag high as she prepared well for the event. She also promised to sell the country’s beauty, treasures, tourism and rich arts and culture.  She believes that her trip came at the right time as the country prepares for the 50^th anniversary noting that she would brand Botswana to attract more investors.

Moeti described Botswana as one of the best countries in the world in terms of good governance noting that some countries were experiencing wars whereas in Botswana ‘peace and tranquility reign.’

“I am a proud Motswana and I would not hesitate to sell my country to the Caribbean people,” she added. 

Meanwhile, the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia is looking forward to working with people of Botswana on many poetry and film projects as a way of networking globally with artists and film makers in over 200 different countries. Ends