19 Aug 2013

After studying for a Masters in International and Small Business Development, in 2010, Ms Thandi Phiri could not get a job. She did not just sit and fold her hands to wait for manna from heaven.

All this time, she has been worried about the unemployment and poverty level in Botswana. It was then that she birthed a concept that would address the unemployment rate and poverty level in the country. Ms Phiri then came up with a concept that she coined as Entrepreneurship and Cultural Pride Expo market, an outdoor exposition and vending event to stimulate direct buying of local and regional products.

It has been three years now since its inception and the exposition has grown in leaps and bounds. This year, it will be held on August 24 at the Mogolokwane Arts Academy, situated at the Bojanala Waterfront.

Speaking at a press briefing recently, Ms Phiri explained that the exposition was a market platform that catered for enterprise stimulation and promotion; and equally important culture and artistic expression.

She said the objectives of the exposition are to provide a consistent and effective platform which encourages entrepreneurial activity, fosters knowledge and appreciation for regional cultures while preserving important cultural practices and skills of the region.

“This is a platform developed to facilitate for affordable local and regional small business exposure as it has also joined the ‘Buy Local Campaign’ in support of local and regional production,” she said. Not only is the expo meant to be a cultural and artistic exchange platform but, she explained that it comes as an opportunity to inform and educate life style aspects of

Botswana and the region which make up the identity of its people. Key activities of the exposition will be stall display and vending of small business from both local and regional players. Story telling by veterans, drama pieces, Live DJ performances as well as traditional games by children will be the order of the day.

There will also be tapestry display and sale of art work and demonstration, paintings by national and international artists as well as photographic display of the Kuru Dance Festival in Ghanzi by Bakang Baloi Sponsored by Mogolokwane, Arts Academy, Duma FM, Botswana Exporters Manufactures Association together with, Alliance Françoise and Sikani Company, Thandi said the exposition promised to be a thrill.

She encouraged people to attend in large numbers to get time to be out with their families and at the same time experience the path to economic empowerment through learning business skills from various exhibitors. Ends