05 Dec 2023

Artistes have been implored to utilise opportunities geared towards their empowerment.   

Launching Botswana television studio 4 at the Mass Media Complex on Monday, President  Dr Mokgweetsi  Masisi said government had identified the creative sector as key towards a realistic and sustainable job creation avenue, hence the investment in developing facilities that would enable the growth of the sector.

Through the refurbishment of the  Btv auditorium, President Masisi said  government had illustrated its commitment to supporting the creative sector in order for artistes to reach their full potential. 

“The ball is entirely on the artistes’ court. They must sharpen their hunger and they must be completely committed to excellence because it's excellence that puts them in pole position to compete and outdo all the others in every respect,” he said, adding that they must be able to develop a product that nobody could resist. 

He said with collaborative efforts involving government, independent organisations and the private sector, the creative sector was a high yielding and low hanging fruit.

President Masisi also said the creative industry was a sleeping giant as demonstrated during the Department of Broadcasting  Services roadshow, adding that significant steps had been made to awaken the giant and that positive results had already been recorded through unearthing talent during the roadshow in collaboration with Thato ‘DJ Fresh’ Sikwane.

He said the three television channels recently introduced on the Btv spectrum represented a significant broadcasting platform and that it would create opportunities for creatives to showcase their works as the department was expected to acquire more content from local independent producers.

“We view this development as a significant job creation move as we expect more jobs to be unlocked directly and indirectly nationwide,” he said.

Furthermore, President Masisi said expectations were for the creative sector to drive the tourism sector through photography and cinematography.

He noted that the country was blessed with some of the most spectacular wildlife species and landscapes worth filming and documenting.

That, he said would further contribute to broadening the country’s film and creative industry.  

Minister for State President, Mr Kabo Morwaeng highlighted the importance of partnering with American television and radio mogul, Mr Steve  Harvey in facilitating the development of local producers.

Minister Morwaeng said the partnership between government and Steve Harvey Global was expected to catapult the country into the global creative economy.

“This is a project, which is expected to expose our creatives to the tutelage of some of the best mentors in the world and is expected to yield productions of global standards that will position Botswana as a key player in the  creative industry,” Minister Morwaeng said.

The project, he said, was a fulfillment of a promise that President Masisi made when he assumed the position of  head of state and government. Ends