The institute together with Integrated Field Services (IFS) - which is under the department of Industrial Affairs - have organised the event as a way to promote and teach Batswana about pottery and ceramic art. Barry Mabena, a lecturer at Lekgaba said the institute wants to market pottery in the whole country so that people appreciate its beauty and economic contribution to Botswana.
“We are also looking at exchanging ideas with other potters from around the country on how we can continue crafting quality products,” Mabena explained. He said that potters need encouragement and the business sector needs to be involved with them as their craft usually catches the attention of tourists.
IFS regional north officer Ngumbana Mbanga said that the role of IFS is to motivate potters and give them ideas on how to sell their products. She further said that she encourages more people to enter the interesting world of pottery, as they could benefit from it. “Pottery is not gender specific as anyone can enjoy its thrilling challenges and make something useful out of it,” said Mbanga. She says through her work with potters, she has come to understand that it is an art enjoyed by both the youth and the elderly. She added that pottery could reduce poverty and reduce the rate of unemployment in the country.
“We want people to see what pottery can do for them. We would also like to emphasise that the raw material used, which is clay, is free and people should take advantage of such an opportunity and strive to make something worth more from it,” Mbanga said.
One of the potters at the festival, Keseitsheletse Ditshono from Molepolole has her beautiful products on display. Her crafts include cups, clay pots (dinkgwana) and flower pots. Ditshono revealed that she was always interested in pottery when she was a young person and her parents introduced her to the craft when they saw how keen she was to learn about it.
“I depend on pottery for my livelihood and it has been my source of income for many years now,” she said. Ditshono says that she does not have a factory or studio but works from her house in Molepolole. She also provides private lessons to people who want to learn about pottery.
She explained that most people from Molepolole and surrounding areas buy from her and that pottery provides financial stability for her and her family. She heard about the festival from IFS officials and is pleased to be taking part in it, as it will help her market her products to the rest of the country. Another potter from Francistown, Maureen Siya said that she was excited to be taking part in the festival because as a beginner, she feels it is a good platform for her to show the world what she can offer.
Siya crafts colourful garden accessories like bird feeders and kitchen pottery accessories and has been doing pottery for two years. A friend introduced her to the pottery and ceramic industry a few years back and she has never looked back. She said she is in the process of supplying a few hotels in Francistown with plates and a variety of other pottery that they have asked her to make for them.
“Ever since I entered this creative line of work, I have never had financial problems. Hotels around town are giving me support and in the near future I will be approaching hotels in Maun,” she said. Siya noted that pottery has a bright future in Botswana and most potters should take advantage of such a festival so that they could market themselves and their products. Mbanga explained that pottery has the potential to export big as it has a competitive edge.
“This is our growth area and we as Batswana should excel in this industry which is unique and creative”, she said. Lekgaba Training Institute offers courses for both beginners and more experienced potters.
