04 Nov 2019

Government recognises the creative industry as having the potential growth  point to diversify the economy.

This was said by former Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Ms Bogolo Kenewendo at the 2019 graduation ceremony of Awil College, formerly known as AFDA Botswana College.

Ms Kenewendo said the recognition was not only expressed but was also stated in pillar one of Vision 2036.

She said government recognised the crucial role played by the arts industry adding that the creative industries provided the much needed human capital in driving the economy forward.

“I understand that the relevance of Awil College learning programmes to the industry was widely acclaimed and recognised. This was witnessed by the numerous proposals for partnerships that have been submitted by television stations, production houses, media houses, institutions and individuals,” said Ms Kenewendo.

She congratulated Awil College for facilitating the launch of its graduates into the industry which had been achieved through forging a working relationship with Maru-TV.

The fact that the institution was in its fifth year of operation was an achievement in itself, she said.

“Awil College alumni are fast positioning themselves in the industry. I am told that crews of honours graduates from the institution are running their own production company that has so far produced a short film that has been screened to sold-out venues in local cinemas.

 They are also involved in the production of other genres as identified in line of the needs of the market,” said Ms Kenewendo.

She explained that another crew graduating known as Isago Ntle won a number of awards at the Gaborone 48 hours film festival last month.

 They won the eight awards that included best film, best cinematography, best acting, best director, best sound design among others.

Ms Kenewendo said the same crew recently won the best writing and directing award at the Silicon Valley Film Festival in the United States.

“This is indeed remarkable achievements from the youth that we expect to build a sustainable film and television industry in the country, thereby contributing to employment creation. 

They need our sincere and utmost support to make it in the highly competitive industry” said Ms Kenewendo.

She urged the college to strive by all means to remain relevant to the manpower training needs of the economy.

Ms Kenewendo said being relevant was achievable through being in touch with the realities of the market in terms of the needed skills.

She therefore advised the college to keep in touch with its alumni in order to know how its graduates were doing and to constantly get feedback through surveys and studies with a view to identify any gaps in the skills set.

In his welcome remarks, the campus dean Dr Mothusi Phuthego acknowleged the contribution made by students and staff to the development of the institution.

He urged them to work even harder for the good of the institution and the attainment of its goals and objectives.

Dr Phuthego said the college reached this far because of the support received from the government through the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology; its departments and parastatals.

 

He also noted that present and former students had done exceptionally well in a number of competitions and other events, notably film festivals. ENDS