13 Jun 2022

 Members of the Dikhwaere music genre groups have been advised to operate as businesses since their craft has the potential to create revenue and positively change their lives.

Dikhwaere is part of Botswana culture and is mostly a popular form of entertainment during celebrations and festive holidays.

Speaking during the Southern region dikhwaere competition in Moshupa recently, area Member of Parliament Karabo Gare advised participants to use dikhwaere to earn income.

 “You should start taking arts as business and in that way, you will be playing part in growing the economy,” he added.

He said the theme: Creative Industries a Vehicle for Sustainable Development, challenged all choirs to raise revenue through dikhwaere and eventually contribute to the economy.

 “Most of us spend a lot of time watching different productions from other countries but GOD has given all of us talent, let us start today to use our talent to create local productions that will generate revenue for us,” he said.

He said the event was also used as a platform for cultural exchange, noting that it was a way of growing culture and getting the youth off the streets.

Gare advised those that failed to make it to the national finals not to give up but to continue working hard in preparation for the next competition.

Southern Region District Coordinator at the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Minkie Bokole said it was important for the nation to take Reset Agenda seriously as it would lead the nation to achieve all the set goals.“Reset Agenda starts with every individual, if we change our mindsets and look at things differently even the way we do things, a lot could be achieved,” she said.

Bokole highlighted that their ministry’s activities were halted due to COVID-19, therefore advising all to continue adhering to protocols so that the virus did not spread and halt the activities. “Let us all make sure that we see all these competitions to the finish line,” she said.

She thanked her ministry for ensuring that national finals of president’s day competitions be held in different areas, adding that it would afford Batswana in the respective towns and major villages an opportunity to participate and enjoy Botswana’s diverse cultures.

Southern Region District Coordinator said the events would also boost local economies by increasing revenue generation for local businesses such as hospitality and tourism.Badiragatsi choir from Mochudi emerged victorious with 86 per cent after a tight competition, where most of the choirs ended up sharing positions. They will then represent the Southern region at the national finals in Gaborone.

Vultures from Kanye came second with 81 per cent and Lesedi from Gabane got the third position. ENDS