03 Sep 2024

 Botswana, as a member of the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), has greatly benefitted in the reduction of broadcasts and waves.

This was said by Permanent Secretary to the President, Ms Emma Peloetletse in her welcome remarks during the 15^th AUB General Assembly welcome dinner in Gaborone Monday. 

 Also, she said Botswana continued to benefit from content exchange and production arrangements.

Through its membership to AUB, Ms Peloetletse expressed gratitude that the country had also continued to benefit from arrangements capacitating journalists hence expressed appreciation to AUB for the support.

Ms Peloetletse further thanked organisers of the general assembly for having chosen Botswana as the host for this year’s high-level meeting.

She explained that the country was set to host the event in 2020, but it was deferred due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are thrilled today to finally welcome broadcasters of both television and radio from the 45 African countries and 15 associate members from across the globe,” she said.

Ms Peloetletse said she found it fitting to afford the delegates a special welcome to the general assembly, from the country’s highest office.

She also commended the organisers for their efforts in coordinating the high-level event ‘by managing to bridge distances between the teams in Botswana and Senegal, where the AUB is headquartered and other members inside Africa’.

“I strongly believe that the teams were able to do this through the spirit of collaboration with the AUB,” she added.

The general assembly, Ms Peloetletse added, presented an opportunity for participants to exchange knowledge and share skills on issues of broadcasting and the media at large.

She said the high-level meeting also provided an opportune time for nations to collaborate, particularly within the media sector.

For that reason, Ms Peloetletse said participating countries could ensure a stronger and more unified voice that reflected their collective interests and values, thereby empowering the nations to tackle the shared challenges effectively.

She stressed that it was time for Africa to rise to the occasion and reclaim its rightful position on the global stage, by leveraging on the resources and many talents that Africans had.

The creativity that the African youth possessed, Ms Peloetletse said was enough to assert Africa’s influence on the global platform.

“We have to showcase our contributions to innovation, the rich culture that we have and our natural endowments, those that will be blessed by God the Almighty himself,” she added.

Together, she said Africans could build a narrative that celebrated the continent’s potential and achievements.

She expressed delight that partners who were willing to work hand in hand with Africans to make the continent regain its glory and influence would also attend the general assembly.

“I thank and welcome all partners to our beloved Botswana and our beautiful continent of Africa. You are most welcome to join us colleagues, as we showcase Africa’s vibrant and rich culture,” she said.

Member of Parliament for Gaborone Central, Mr Tumisang Magwegape-Healy also expressed appreciation to AUB for choosing Botswana as the host country and invited the delegates to explore the country's tourism attractions before departing to their respective countries. Ends