There's need for media to reform

DON-MARTIN TAKUDWA WHANDE
Correspondent | Friday July 16, 2010 00:00

One would expect a country like Botswana, which is making much progress economically at a faster pace than most African countries, to depart from traditional styles of broadcasting for the latest trends. I believe there is need for reform in order to discard what I would term 'old time practices', especially television wise.

I have noticed that the Botswana media seems to shy away from the use of the English language, especially when it conducts its interviews. Botswana, like Germany and France, is one country that I believe promotes its national language above all other languages. I do not have a problem with that because Botswana is a sovereign country and most, if not all, Batswana would prefer all their television programmes to be conducted in Setswana since it promotes its national values. But the crux is I am not advocating for a total overhaul of the entire system but I am simply saying that there is need to weigh the options here.

I am sure Botswana is very capable of doing much more. I have watched the presenter of The Eye programme on Botswana Television (Btv) and he is very good, as I have watched several interviews he has conducted in both English and Setswana. However, Botswana should note that by conducting most of its important interviews in the vernacular it is shutting all the doors to the outside world. As an example, I for one, desired to hear DIS director Isaac Kgosi being interviewed a few weeks ago but I was disappointed to find the whole interview being conducted in Setswana. I maintain that this was an important interview, with national implications because organisations such as DIS have aroused controversy, locally and internationally. Due to that cause, many people were eagerly waiting to hear what the DIS chief had to say about the organisation he heads but this all fell apart.

One might argue that all interviews are important and that is correct. Indeed, they are all important but all I am saying is some interviews should take more precedence over others. There are interviews that cut across borders and these are the ones that should at least take more precedence and be conducted in English.

Remember Btv is available on the Dstv bouquet and that is a very good opportunity for it to make a difference internationally by promoting its culture and values. There is no need really for Botswana to operate in a vacuum anymore by self first before others. Back then it was not of much significance as it is now.

Over the past few years Botswana, like any other country, has been slowly transforming into a country of mixed cultures as people from all over the world come in to settle. Still on language, this is not the first time I have been disappointed with the way Botswana's media has conducted itself. Recently, Botswana performed unprofessionally on the international platform when it conducted its general elections. After the elections had ended, I was astonished to find the results being announced in the vernacular. On such significant events, it wouldn't hurt to find an English interpreter to also announce so that the whole world benefits and not only the Botswana community. Important matters such as elections are not a 'Tswana thing', as some would say but are significant to the entire international community.

Botswana should never underestimate the number of people in the world who eagerly desire to follow and monitor these and other kind of events. Yet the media keeps brushing people like us off. We might not be important to you but we value you and are also committed to learning about current events transpiring in your country.

I am not a journalist by profession but over time I am sure Botswana will understand the need for transformation at Btv because there are certain programmes that a progressive country like Botswana cannot keep broadcasting in the vernacular. Basic economics will tell you that no country can survive without the help of the other. Likewise it is a fact that the global economy depends on communication if it is to advance forward. I am not saying the English language is our only saviour but simply the way forward since it is used internationally.

In conclusion, Botswana should be aware that it doesn't belong to its people alone. No matter how sovereign Botswana might claim to be, it not only belongs to Batswana but to millions of Africans who look up to it because of the prestigious position it holds on behalf of all Africans.So please do not disappoint us.