16 Sep 2013

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama has unveiled the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism mural.

The mural paintings, which were painted on the side walls of the ministry’s headquarters building, depicts the country’s flora and fauna. They also reflect the ministry’s mandate through the work of art.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony on September 13, Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama said the idea of the mural was to facilitate and indicate what the ministry stood for in environment, wildlife and tourism aspects. This mural paintings, he said, would forever be a reminder to all who look at it of the beauty of environment preservation.

Mr Khama said the building was regarded as a show piece and as the latest asset of tourism site that Gaborone could offer. He said as much as the country had new buildings, which excited some people, they must not lose site of the fact that old ministry buildings were where the country governance began.

Having been built in 1966, Minister Khama said the building confirmed the quality of the architect then and unlike other buildings, the office block had no cracks.

He underscored the need to take cognizance of the condition of the environment and also remember sustainability as well as take care of conservation. Having seen more and more of rubble dumping around streets, he said this showed that people did not take into account the environment damages that would result from that kind of behaviour.

It was therefore important to look at the mural and be reminded of environment conservation. The mural, he said, was delivered on time and budget by Thapong Visual Arts Centre resident artists. He thanked the artists who put the mural together under the leadership of Mr Reginald Bakwena and Mr Mokwaledi Gontshwanetse working as the leading artist.

They were assisted by Mr Ditshupo Mogapi, Ms Ivy Radipodi Mpitjane, Ms Keatlaretse Kwati, and Mr Mothusi Tau. Messrs John Makepe, Ditshupo Mogapi, Thato Khomela, Qaeqhao Moses and Daniel Mazhani also formed part of the team that worked on the mural paintings. Ends