11 Sep 2023

Creative industry players have been implored to apply for funding derived from the levy on Technical Devices to develop the their industry and preserve Botswana’s cultural heritage.

The levy was collected from electronic, technical devices that included phones, cameras, computers, and laptops targeted at developing the creative industry.

Drilling creative industry players in Tsabong on Friday, Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) copyright administrator Keitseng Monyatsi said this was in line with government’s agenda of developing a robust creative industry, young and elderly involved in the creative industry.

She therefore encouraged those interested in growing the creatives to come up with high impact projects targeted at developing the industry and apply for grants when the next round of application opens.

The grant ranged from P10 000 to P1 million where each project underwent evaluation to ascertain its value to the creative industry.

Monyatsi said the fund was collected by Ministry of Finance and administered by Ministry of Trade, adding that the permanent secretary level was responsible for managing the fund.

CIPA was part of the adjudication committee that included players from other sectors who were part of the committee. Currently, she said, CIPA staff was on the ground nationwide spread in five teams at Tsabong, Kang, Hukuntsi, Bobonong, Rakops, Selebi-Phikwe, Gweta and Nata to share with those in the creative industry about the fund.

She said applications were accepted only when an application window was opened to every Motswana above 18 years, citizen-owned companies, non-governmental organisations, and charity organisations whose project fell within the creative category and or encouraged development of the creative sector.

The project, she said must run for a period less than three years. The money applied for was disbursed in phases and not at once.

Monyatsi warned that the fund was audited to track that it achieved its mandate. The projects funded were also audited.

People who embezzled funds given to them were subjected to stringent measures adding that they shall face the wrath of the law as that was against development of the creative industry.

Tsabong Kgosana, Piet Kartze, appreciated Ministry of Youth, Gender Sport and Culture and CIPA officials for organizing a workshop for the creatives.

He said government was paving a way for the creatives to make headway. He advised them to take up programmes and policies designed for them and grow the sector.

He said the government assisted the sector and therefore all must work hard and refrain from channeling the finances to what they were not meant for such as buying lavish vehicles with loans from programmes and not investing adequately.

Kgosi Kartze encouraged young people to change mind set and do the things differently to make progress.

In an interview a member of Pinagare ya Sekaka Trust, Mr Sidney Baitsile, said the workshop was an important development for Tsabong District as it was happening for the first time having attracted throngs of creatives from all over the district.

He the workshop was insightful. He added: “This workshop really opened my eyes, it is a good development for us in remote areas. We are the least developed area of all places. We do not have sound entertainment making facilities. If we need to use recording studios we have to go to Gaborone, if you need good sound system we have to hire from Gaborone. If you need good video, photography you have to go to Gaborone. Everything is done in Gaborone and so this is a great initiative that sets us on the right path for developing the creative industry.”

Baitsile said he appreciated the government for recognizing gaps in the industry and establishing entities to drive the mandate.

The establishment of the National Arts Council and efficient use of the levy on Technical Devices would make a difference for the creatives. He also said young people came in large numbers which was a sign that they were stepping on the right footing. ENDS