21 Dec 2016

Protocol and publicity secretary of the Mahalapye Performing Arts awards committee, Onneile Lesetlhe says it is important to recognise and reward artistes as a way of encouraging them to keep working hard.

Lesetlhe said in an interview that a lot of artistes, even those who were not famous took their crafts seriously and usually did their best to deliver quality work.

“It is their hard work and dedication that motivated us as lovers of arts to introduce the Mahalapye Sub-District  Performing Arts Awards to motivate and appreciate them for the work that they are doing and we will be hosting a second edition of the awards on December 23 at Maeto lodge in Mahalapye,”he added.

He said that there was a lot of talent in and around Mahalapye and they wish to make the village a hub of performing arts and also carry on with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development objective of recognising artistic excellence.

Lesetlhe said that they would be awarding among others, choirs, traditional singers/dancers, guitarists, drama and other renowned artists from Mahalapye sub district.

He explained that they recognise artistes from the Mahalapye Sub District region which included the Shoshong and Tswapong constituencies.

“We had previously awarded in our first annual awards last year groups like Phate ya Setso, Mapega, Mahalapye theatre group and guitarist Thomas Wagamang amongst others,” he stated.

Lesetlhe appealed to the business community and public at large to support them with anything that they could afford to ensure that the awards were a success and better than last year.

He extended his gratitude to those who have already helped them, including businessman and former legislator Oreeditse Molebatsi who has offered them a venue to host the event. ENDS