08 Dec 2022

Botswana has won the bid to host the 18th session of the Inter-Governmental Committee Convention for Safeguarding the Intangible, Cultural Heritage in a year’s time.

Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport, and Culture, Mr Tumiso Rakgare revealed this in Gaborone Wednesday during a joint meeting of his ministry and that of labour and home affairs.

He said hosting the meeting was an opportunity that would spur economic diversification and resuscitation efforts. 

“The hospitality, transport and communication sectors will greatly benefit from the week-long event. It will provide an opportune moment for tourism and others to market themselves broadly to a very diverse and mobile audience,” he said.

The minister said the meeting was expected to attract more than 1 000 delegates from different countries which would increase Botswana’s visibility both regionally and internationally.

Mr Rakgare noted that the meeting would coincide with the country’s 20th anniversary of signing the convention.

As such there was a possibility of attracting investors from signatories of the convention, he said.

Minister Rakgare explained that there would be provision for local arts and crafts to be exhibited and for local performing artistes to showcase their talents.

“This will further provide an opportunity to showcase Botswana’s culture and heritage to a globally diverse international audience of cultural experts and practitioners,” he said.

Minister Rakgare said the convention’s aim was to safeguard oral traditions and expressions, performing arts, rituals, social practices, festive events, knowledge about nature and the universe as well as traditional craftsmanship.

Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Ms Annah Mokgethi used the opportunity to announce adjustment of living allowances for National Internship Programme, Botswana National Service (Tirelo Sechaba) and Graduate Volunteer Scheme.

“The living allowances have been adjusted from P1 420 to P2 000 for interns, P700 to P1 000 for Tirelo Sechaba participants and P600 to P1 000 for graduate volunteers. We believe this increment will cushion participants from the effects of inflation,” she said. Ends