15 Nov 2016

Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) Foundation chairperson, Kgosi Michael Mothobi says there is need for Botswana to invest in its own artists to complement economic growth.

“Botswana needs to introspect and understand the role of art activity in the general economic outlook and find steps in investing in its own citizens because no one else will do it for us if we do not,” Kgosi Mothobi said at the unveiling of the BTC phonebook cover competition recently.

He indicated artists challenged the order of things.

“Art is fluid, dynamic and sometimes radical. The fact that it is considered an undisciplined type of thinking, it makes it difficult to regulate,” he said.

He added that over the years, Botswana had failed to have a quantitative study on how much the arts contributed to the economy, especially traditional music.

He indicated that the world over, the attitude towards art was forever changing and economies had been embracing its importance.

Kgosi Mothobi further indicated that art was responsible for the much technological advancement the world was saddled with today.

BTC acting general marketing manager, Pilot Jane, said the event was meant to recognise and honour local talent.

“BTC has been doing the phonebook cover competition for 30 years and the past seven years have been with Thapong Visual Arts Centre and we are on eight this year,” he said.

He indicated that they received 100 artworks, then shortlisted them to 15, then five, then three and finally the winner.

“But with today’s event we have decided to have the top 10 artworks here,” he said.

Meanwhile, Elijah Tshukudu won the competition and walked away with P40 000. Ogopoleng Kgomoethata won P20 000 and Phetogo Boitumelo got P10 000 in positions two and three respectively.

The seven remaining artists that made up the top 10 also walked away with P1000 each.

Ruud Jansen, Thapong Visual Arts Centre chairman, indicated that they felt privileged to have a relationship with BTC that stretched many years back.

“Since we partnered with BTC we have dispersed a little over P100 000 to beneficiaries and it is all because of the relationship,” Jansen said.

 “We shall keep supporting youth and nurturing talent and one day we will realise our full artistic potential as Botswana and it will all be worth it,” he said. BOPA