27 Feb 2017

Two theater groups Tshabatshaba and Bana ba kgole from Bodibeng and Sehithwa respectively, have launched a project titled “Nyaa mogatsaka kopa tetla” to raise awareness about piracy and copyrights issues.

The Slogan “Nyaa mogatsaka batla tetla” has a hidden meaning.

In reference, for instance, when two people are in a relationship or sordid partnership, one has to seek permission when they want to do something, and they do not break the bond by doing as they please.

In an interview with BOPA recently, the producer of the project Semakaleng White, 23, noted that their project started on February 20, 2017 and would run up to the end of the same month.

He explained that the project would raise awareness through drama performance in places like Bodibeng ,Bothatogo,Sehithwa,Kareng and Toteng.

The project’s scriptwriter Brandon Manyoagae, 27, highlighted that the project was sponsored by the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA), which is a governing body in issues pertaining to piracy and copyrights.

He also noted that Reetsanang Association of Drama was actively involved as well as Sehithwa Police who pledged to help with transport.

Manyoagae noted that Batswana at large lacked knowledge about piracy issues and did not know where to turn to when their work was compromised in any way.

Therefore he said their project’s main aim was to shed light in the matter and in turn share possible resolutions. He also explained that there were various organisations where one could register their work for future reference and in turn they were given a certificate of approval.

CIPA was one of them, he said, adding that certified work does not only mean writings but rather; poetry,drama,scripts and artwork.

Manyoagae encouraged Batswana in the Ngami region to attend their workshops en masse to learn more about copyright and piracy matters.

He explained that there was still a lot to be done as piracy was still rife in this country, and therefore they needed assistance in any way possible.

“Drama is another way of keeping busy and I am proud of my fellow peers who strive to make a difference.

There is a lot we still want to accomplish,” he said. ENDS