CEDA injects P3.6m in the creative industry

Mompati Tlhankane | Sunday November 14, 2021 12:49

Speaking during the State of the National Address (SONA) on Monday, Masisi said the projects are in film production, events management, music, photography and general entertainment. Masisi announced last year that the government would continue to explore avenues to empower Batswana creatives to facilitate their participation in the growth and diversification of the economy. Creatives were allowed to use their intellectual property to stand a chance to get CEDA loans of up to P50 million and not requiring collateral as it was the case before. Masisi further reiterated that the creative industry has great potential to contribute to Botswana’s economic diversification, employment and earn foreign exchange.

Masisi also said the government, through a creative art strategy, is commercialising the creative industry to include more Batswana in the lucrative wildlife and tourism filming and photography industry. “Another project scheduled for implementation during the course of the year is stimulating the, ‘Creative Sector 2021’. The programme is targeting about three hundred and forty two (342) artists. Through the project, government acquires arts and crafts for the National Permanent Art Collection, whose purpose is for education, research and posterity,” he further announced.

Masisi also disclosed that funds amounting to P52.6 million under the ERTP has been earmarked for the refurbishment of the Mass Media Complex and the tender will be awarded before the end of the year. “The Media Complex will be the hub for local film and television production. A feasibility study on the utilisation of the Complex by locals is ongoing and is being conducted by a citizen owned company,” he further added.

He said at the end of the financial year 2020/2021, approximately P20.3 million had been spent in the remuneration of 12,978 artists. He said these efforts were aimed at assisting artists to survive this challenging period.