Khama�s final lap :: Mmegi Online

With about nine months before President Ian Khama hands over the leadership baton to his successor, is this the last time the winners of the President’s Day Arts Competitions get to shake hands with the patron and throw superlatives at him at next month’s awards ceremony? MMEGI Correspondent TOM KETLOGETSWE looks at this competition that others believe has ‘captured’ the visual arts for the past eight years

When President Ian Khama ascended to the country’s highest office on April 1, 2008, many thought it was an April fool’s play. He came with countless promises amongst them the four Ds, which were later increased to five. He proclaimed the President’s Day in July a holiday through which the arts should be celebrated.

It will be 10 years next year when he leaves office, just a day before April fool’s day. This cultural initiative will certainly form the hallmark of his legacy. There is no debate as to whether the arts under his leadership have grown in leaps and bounds. In the process the competitions have unearthed unknown gems in areas such as polka dance, from the Kgalagadi district. This new found art is threatening the likes of Setapa and Phathisi, as a new national dance phenomenon.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.