Africa-Press – Botswana. Artistes have been implored to embrace the mindset change agenda.
North West assistant district commissioner, Ramogaupi Gaborekwe urged artistes during the regional traditional song and dance arts competition in Maun over the weekend, noting that embracing change was crucial for growth and personal development.
He said embracing mindset change would fuel continuous improvement and help to push artistes out of their comfort zones, compelling them to challenge themselves do things differently.
Gaborekwe also noted that artistic works had potential to contribute to the economy hence he challenged them to patent their creations, which could be commercialised.
“It is important to endeavour on sustainable income generating projects through your artistic works and have your own trademarks,” he added.
Gaborekwe also encouraged artistes to undertake benchmarking trips, organise workshops in order to grow their talents.
Through such various trips and workshops, he said they could learn new skills, acquire knowledge and gain valuable experience to unlock their full potential.
Conducting regular workshops and collaborating with various stakeholders, he said, could also help them to think differently, explore unconventional ideas and fund innovative solutions to problems.
He said the country was aspiring to attain a high-income status and one of the tools to achieve that was to have a knowledge-based economy.
Artistes were also encouraged to capitalise on the digital space to sell themselves and their products/services.
“You can take advantage of the digital platforms to enhance your artistic performance, promote your art works for improved income as well as to reach out to a large global audience,” he added.
On a separate issue, Gaborekwe decried drug and substance abuse in the region, urging young people to refrain from such practices as they were dangerous to their health and could ruin their lives.
Noting the recent campaign against the fight against drug and substance abuse in Maun, he appealed to the youth to join forces with the leadership and the Drug Enforcement Agency in the war against drug and substance abuse.
Deputy district youth coordinator, Refilwe Banda said the festival was aimed at unearthing talent, nurturing and developing it to promote culture preservation.
She said the district prides itself with rich, unique and diverse cultures, which she said needed to be preserved to benefit future generations.
The competition, she said did not only cater for young people but also included those aged 18 years and above.
Banda said last year, the district performed exceptionally well at the national level and brought trophies home.
She expressed hope that the groups that would make it to the finals would maintain the standard and make the region proud.
The competition featured different groups from Chobe, Okavango and North West districts, which showcased their skill in diware, setapa, phathisi, tsutsube and seperu categories.
In the setapa category, Matsosa Ngwao Tradiional Dance scooped position one followed by Maun International Arts and Tsaa Goo Tawana settling for position two and three respectively.
Setsuatsue outclassed four groups in the Tsutsube category while Barata Pina gave a sterling performance in phatisi and clinched position one.
In other categories, Nyinawira group and Kamberera group scooped position one in seperu and diware song and dance to book slots in the final competition to be held between June and July.
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