Btv expected to introduce second channel

Bonte Seepi | Wednesday May 13, 2015 15:20

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Thapelo Olopeng, said the ministry is working around the clock to assist the film industry and performing artists, hence the decision to introduce another channel to air their works.

“I am glad to announce that we have been given the mandate to introduce the second channel on Btv in collaboration with the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration.”

“The channel will provide artists and the youth with the much needed international exposure, and I expect that it will commission film producers to enable them to generate income and employment for the youth,” Olopeng said.

Olopeng further said that the ministry also has plans to set up state-of-the-arts recording studios at the Gaborone Multi-Purpose Youth Centre to facilitate local productions.

He added that efforts are also ongoing to make the General Purpose Studio at the Multi-Media Complex functional.

The facilities are expected to be accessible to local artists, particularly youth, the minister said.

Meanwhile, Olopeng applauded Baboneng Film Production for their educational and entertaining movie. He said the theme of the movie is relevant to what is happening in life.

He applauded film producers for having come up with such a product, which teaches people that they need to be vigilant and observant of friendships that they make.

“I believe this innovation will inspire other artists to be more creative. I am glad that Botswana is a small country, but rich in artistic talent,” he said.

He assured artists of his ministry’s support, saying it is committed to financially and technically support upcoming performers.

He appealed to stakeholders, particularly the private sector to join hands with government in unearthing and nurturing talent in the country.

“Government is seriously concerned about youth unemployment and my ministry is making efforts to address this challenge. The role that performing arts can play in reducing high levels of unemployment in this country is very significant to be ignored,” he added.

The minister further said the role that the private sector can play in economic diversification and expansion is immeasurable.