21 Sep 2016

Twenty four little boys and girls will vie for the title of Little Mr and Miss independence during a pageant set for September 24 at Boipuso Hall in Gaborone.

Commenting during a press briefing on Monday, an official from Children Association of Performing Arts Botswana (CHIPABO), Tshepiso Ntshole, said Mr and Miss Little Independence Botswana 2016 was not only for independence, but also about culture and heritage that need to be instilled in the little ones.

“We have realised that our kids do not understand the essence and importance of independence or its meaning; thus we have found it fitting to come up with this pageant,” she reasoned.

Ntshole said although the pageant was a pilot project, they intend for it to grow to include sister organisations such as those from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia and Zambia.

She said they managed to audition contestants from major villages across the country including Gaborone, Jwaneng, Francistown, Maun, Ghanzi, Lobatse and Palapye.

For his part, the founder and chairperson of CHIPABO, Edward Moroka said CHIPABO’s aim was to educate children in the creative industry from grassroots level, especially dramatic acts.

He commended the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture (MYSC) for assisting his organisation financially, adding that, however, MYSC could not manage to cater for all their needs.

He lamented that private oganisations were not doing enough to support the creative industry.

“The reason the creative industry is still poor in our country is because we are not supported to take it to the limits. We have ideas but we are disappointed by lack of support to execute them,” he said.

He said they were looking forward to the 2016 partners for the event and beyond, stating that they had received sponsorship from Fairgrounds Holdings, Kiddies Palace, Kids Hair Emporium, with free performances from Mafitlhakgosi, Casper,  Mmurubele  and Elias Pilane. Ends