Africa-Press – Botswana. The dates for the National Arts Festival have not been set following administrative restructuring within the government.
Deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs, Mr Tebogo Matebesi said the festival had been disrupted by the recent restructuring of government ministry previously responsible for arts and culture into two fully fledged ministries.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday, Mr Matebesi said, ‘the festival’s scheduling has been delayed as a direct result of the ministry split. We are unable to confirm any dates at the moment, but I am certain the festival will take place sometime this year’.
Traditionally held in Gaborone on July, the National Arts Festival remains one of Botswana’s largest and most significant cultural events, drawing artists and visitors from across the country.
It serves as a critical platform for the performing arts, including theatre, music, dance, and visual arts.
Mr Matebesi said recent government restructuring divided the former Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture into separate entities, and as a result, the responsibility for the festival now falls under the National Arts Council of Botswana, which was currently undertaking and planning to revamp.
The status quo, he said also contributed to the delays.
“While there have been delays, the festival will still take place it is important that it does, considering the revenue and value chain associated with the National Arts Festival,” he said.
He confirmed that the National Arts Council of Botswana had confirmed that it would run this year festival event, possibly in a new different format, and at a different time.
PAC chairperson Mr Taolo Lucas expressed concern over the uncertainty, citing potential disruptions to artist preparations, planning, and lack of activity at grassroots level.
“Originally districts or constituency level competitions should have already began, leading up to the national finals in Gaborone in July. Time is running out and the arts community needs clarity,” he said.
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