20 Mar 2017

In recognition of the important role of poetry in arts and culture throughout the world, The Black African Poets Investments in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) will host a mass celebration of poetry as an observance of the World Poetry Day at the Main Mall in front of the President Hotel on March 21.

Speaking in an interview, director of The Black African Poets Investments, Lebalerona Dumelang said they had partnered with Motlhaolosa Poetry ensemble in organising this commemoration.

She said various works of poetry and images of poets would be featured in various materials and forms to promote World Poetry Day.

“Botswana poets such as Batshidi Moeti, Rosinah Ranka, Kabelo Malefho, Kealeboga Mosikiemang, Moreri Moroka, Edwin Moroka, Palesa Pusetso and many other would showcase various forms of poetry on this day,” she said.

Dumelang indicated that objectives of World poetry Day were to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression and offer endangered languages the opportunity to be heard within their communities.

She said the observance Of World Poetry Day was also meant to encourage a return to the oral tradition of poetry recitals, to promote the teaching of poetry, restore dialogue between and other arts such as theatre, dance, music and painting.

“It is also meant to support small publishers and create an attractive image of poetry in media, so that the art of poetry will no longer be considered an out-dated form of art, but one which enables society as a whole to regain and assert its identity,” she said.

She said secretary of Botswana Commission for UNESCO would deliver the message of the day from UNESCO director general during the event. ENDS