16 Feb 2023

Members of the media have been encouraged to play an active role in raising awareness of the importance of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Director of Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana Professor Brankie Nhlekisana said reporting such issues could foster social cohesion, sustainable development and further prevent conflict. Prof Nhlekisana was speaking at a one-day media training workshop on the 2003 Convention on the Safeguarding of the ICH as Botswana prepares to host the 2023 Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Meeting in December. 

“Media can create documentaries to enhance visibility of ICH and its role in contemporary society, and also create productions of specialised programmes and products addressing different target groups,” said Prof Nhlekisana who is also a member of the National ICH Committee. 

She also encouraged the media to develop interactive programmes and games targeting youths to teach and safeguard intangible culture. Another member of the National ICH Committee Bathusi Lesolobe, who is the managing director of Palm Consult said the national committee was tasked with advising government on the implementation of the 2003 Convention. 

Lesolobe encouraged safeguarding of the five domains of intangible cultural heritage such as oral traditions and cultural expressions, performing arts social practices, rituals and festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and traditional Craftsmanship. 

He said given threats to ICH, safeguarding measures could help in revitalising and transmitting knowledge to generations to come. 

Chief Executive Officer of National Arts Council Botswana (NACB) Shombi Ellis said hosting of the IGC would contribute toward the resuscitation of the country’s economy beyond the effects of COVID-19. 

“It is envisaged that tourism, hospitality, transport and communication sectors will greatly benefit from this week-long event,” said Ellis. 

She further said the meeting would increase Botswana’s visibility both regionally and internationally in driving efforts to attract potential investors. 

Ellis also said the conference would provide an opportunity to showcase Botswana’s culture and heritage to a globally diverse international audience of cultural experts and practitioners. 

“There will also be a provision for local art and crafts to be exhibited and local performing artists to showcase their craft on the sidelines of the conference,” said Ellis. ends