05 Feb 2026

For Bakang Ramogojwana, art is more than a career, it is a calling rooted in patience, self-reliance and passion.
Born and raised in Kopong, the multi-talented creative recalls how his journey began as a young boy at Molefe Primary School, where his love for drawing first revealed itself.
Today, Ramogojwana runs Bakram Art Discovery, a name that fuses his first and last names.
It also reflects his artistic journey:
“It is all about learning. I keep discovering new things along the way. Sometimes I collect scraps from the yard and end up creating something I never imagined. I am not just a painter or sculptor, I am a creative, and I embrace all forms of art,” said Ramogojwana.
An alumnus of Moeding College (Class of 2016), he honed his skills at Kopong Junior Secondary School, where he excelled in drawing and painting.
After completing Form 5, he began commercialising his work to survive outside hostel life.
“It is a win-and-loss scenario,” he admits, noting that demand for art fluctuates.
Competitions have provided him with opportunities to shine.
Last year, he participated in the Democracy Lab Art Competition, where his scribble drawing earned him a spot among the top four finalists.
While drawing and painting remain central to his craft, Ramogojwana has expanded into sculpture, using wires and mortar to create large-scale pieces.
His love for challenges and uniqueness once led him to sculpt a kangaroo, an animal not native to Botswana. He recalls how junior school introduced him to diverse art forms, from poster design to paper-mâché sculptures.
“The interesting part about sculpture is the process; you research, sketch, and then mold the final piece. It combines both drawing and crafting,” he explains.
Like many artists, Ramogojwana faces financial hurdles. Materials such as cement, canvas, brushes, and paints are costly, and he often requires upfront payments from clients to fund projects.
“I am independent. I do not want to be spoon-fed. I want to make my own money through my own efforts,” he says.
Despite these challenges, he remains committed to self-reliance. He dreams of a stable market that will allow him to mass-produce artworks without waiting for tenders.
Ramogojwana emphasises that passion must come before money in the arts.
“Patience is key. If you rush for instant money, you lose interest when it does not come. Impatience and love for money compromise quality and drive clients away,” he advises fellow creatives.
His target market is broad; anyone drawn to his craftsmanship. Prices for his pieces start at P1,000, and he even accepts payments in kind, including livestock, depending on client agreements.
Despite knocking on doors for sponsorship, Ramogojwana says government support for visual artists remains elusive.
“Announcements about funding often fade away, leaving us discouraged,” he laments.
He believes that visual creatives are sidelined in favour of performing artists, even though their work carries the cultural identity of Botswana.
Still, he refuses to let disappointment derail him.
“Self-reliance is my compass,” he affirms, hopeful that the new era under the Umbrella for Democratic Change government may bring change for the creatives. ENDS