Entertainment bodies slam NACB arts festival suspension

Sharon Mathala | Tuesday October 7, 2025 10:39

The sudden move has raised serious questions about whether the council’s priorities are aligned with the potential of the creative economy. In a statement, NACB said government subvention reductions had forced it to “reprioritise programming within limited resources,” while assuring that payments already incurred to prize winners and suppliers would be honoured. Yet, for many in the industry, this is far from reassurance.

“This is a clear demonstration of the pitfalls of over-reliance on government funding,” said Goaba Mojakgomo, chairperson of the Botswana Entertainment Promoters Association (BEPA).

“A national arts body should be dynamic, resilient, and innovative. Instead, we see repeated disruptions that leave artists, promoters, and the many livelihoods dependent on the sector in uncertainty,” he further added.

Meanwhile, the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) echoed similar sentiments but stressed partnership.

“NACB has the potential to be a powerful engine for our industry, but it cannot run the arts alone,” BOMU said.

“Artists, associations, and managers provide the soul, the expertise, and the heartbeat. Our role is to ensure their voices are heard.”

Botswana’s creative sector contributes significantly to the economy. A 2022 study by the Ministry of Arts and Culture estimated that the arts and entertainment industry generates over P500 million annually, supporting thousands of artists, event promoters, and ancillary businesses. Festivals and regional events are not just showcases of talent they drive tourism, small business growth, and youth engagement.

Well-run arts councils in countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria have leveraged such festivals to attract international attention, generate revenue, and position their creative industries as strategic national assets.

Critics argue that NACB’s suspension of the activities reflects deeper issues of management and planning.

“The Council has not sufficiently diversified its funding sources, relying heavily on government subventions that are vulnerable to economic fluctuations, We hope this is a wake-up call for NACB to set its priorities straight, innovate, and collaborate with stakeholders,” Mojakgomo further urged.

Despite the setbacks, NACB says it is actively engaging stakeholders to secure alternative support and accelerate resource mobilisa