10 Jul 2025

Nine performers have qualified for the upcoming national carnival slated for August and September after winning first place in their respective categories during the National Arts Festival held recently in Gaborone.

The winners comprised of eight groups and a comedian, and groupd  will each receive a P30 000 appearance fee, while individual will be awarded P5 000. 

In an interview, National Arts Council Botswana Acting CEO Otsetswe Kobayankwe said only those who finished first in their respective categories had advanced to the regional level and would go on to perform at the national carnival slated for August and September. 

She said Lentle Makhwaje of Gaborone Central scored 92 per cent to secure her spot, in comedy while Phetso Oabile of Gaborone South also qualified with 69 per cent. As individual winners, they each qualied for the P5 000 prizes. Clap and Tap, Soul Redeemers from Gaborone Central earned 74 per cent, and Dineo Tsa Tumelo of Gaborone North followed closely with 72 per cent, both finishing first and qualifying as groups for the P30 000 prizes.

Hosanna traditional dance winners included Mabutswapele Traditional Dance from Bonnington South with 75 per cent, alongside Matlhogoputswa from Bonnington North with 72 per cent. In the Tsutsube segment, Gata La Tau from Bonnington North led the scores with 82 per cent, while Sedibeng from Gaborone Central and Sedimo Arts Craft from Bonnington South both achieved 80 per cent.

Molodi Wa Setso from Gaborone North also made the cut with 68 per cent. In the Polka category, Gaborone North’s Amateur Polka group walked away with 75 per cent, securing their place and earning the group performance fee. Kobayankwe stated that the initiative was part of efforts to reward excellence and ensure that artistes remained at the heart of Botswana’s creative and cultural industry. ENDS