09 May 2022

Connie Ferguson is scheduled to visit Gaborone on May 14 to interact and engage with the local creatives and entrepreneurs. 

Ferguson’s visit to Botswana is part of her regional tour, which started in Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

The Botswana-born, South African actress, filmmaker, producer and businesswoman’s visit, which is organised by CMG International Media, is expected to help awaken the ‘orphaned’ film and creative industry. 

“She will address the film and arts industry and show how they link with the business and corporate world,” said CMG International Media Group country director’ Thapelo Monageng. 

Monageng said Botswana’s creative talent was not fully recognised to the standard it deserves, adding that the film industry’s problems were further compounded by lack of government and corporate support. 

Ferguson is expected to impart skills and knowledge regarding the film and arts industry as well as the business side of the industry. 

“A take home from this event is having aspirants mentored and doing internships at Ferguson Films,” Monageng stated, adding that the hopefuls would be identified and engaged on exercises that were yet to be decided. 

Bk Proctor of Bk Proctor Collections, who is also a music producer, comedian William KRM Last, Miss Botswana Palesa Molefe and actor Letsile Moeti will be among those sharing their experiences. 

Ferguson is credited with establishing a film and television production company, Ferguson Films, with her late husband Shona Ferguson in 2010, which boasts productions such as The Queen, Rockville, IGazi, The Gift, The Throne, The Imposter and many others, commissioned on DSTV channels. 

They also penetrated the Netflix service with Kings of Jo’Burg, whose Season 1 has aired and is now shooting Season 2. 

The couple also gave local artistes opportunities in their television productions; with Gaosi Raditholo, who started on The Queen and is currently on The River, Koketso Mophuting, who worked on The Throne and was loved and recognised on a DSTV Mzansi production Isibaya; where she played the Zungus’ maid Kaone. 

Mothusi Sengwatse is also a beneficiary of the Fergusons’ legacy after winning a spot in The Throne, from more than 300 audition competitors. 

Officials from Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture and some from the corporate sector are also expected to grace the occasion. ends