The unsettling news received widespread criticism from Batswana, many of whom took to social media platforms to express their shock and displeasure. However, at this point, no other details were released as to what the tender entails, what is to be expected and what value Harvey’s company will add. Also, authorities have been reluctant to speak on the matter. The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development responsible for, amongst others, the development of creatives and the arts, distanced itself from the tender on Wednesday and advised questions be directed to the Ministry of Presidential Affairs & Public Administration – a clear sign that something is amiss about the tender appointment. Further, there are more questions than answers. What is it that Harvey’s company will be doing? Why the direct appointment of his company? Were there no competent indigenous companies with the same expertise that could have been considered? What will Botswana’s economy get in return from the Harvey deal? These are the critical questions authorities must ponder and answer.
Batswana, many who are hopeful youths with qualifications and skills in the broadcasting services, see this as a slap in the face for having been pounding the sidewalk for jobs. Youth in this sector are amongst the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and have been thrown into the growing rate of unemployment. They expected the government to come up with a rescue plan to get many people back on the payroll if not offer an opportunity for wealth generation. What they did not expect was to wake up to the news of a directly appointed tender worth millions to a world-famous millionaire and potential investor, who was favoured over capable indigenous Batswana. Government has spent millions on its citizens to acquire knowledge and experience in this field of work, who as upskilled beneficiaries were hoping for a chance at such a lucrative opportunity. While Harvey was introduced as a wealthy investor, it is difficult to see how this tender is an investment under any circumstances, especially where government is the one that pays. It is surprising that, while President Mokgweetsi Masisi has in the past committed to empowering citizens, he has brought a well-established celebrity under the pretext of investment to take away what could have been any qualified Motswana’s breakthrough. Batswana have been ready to work for their country, but are constantly overlooked. What more should Batswana do to be deserving of a great opportunity? The funds allotted to Harvey’s production company could have come in handy for creative industry players who struggled through the pandemic since the first lockdown. We call on the government to reconsider this tender with a view to redirecting the money most needed elsewhere. We call upon the government to take citizen empowerment seriously. We beg of our leaders to invest in Batswana first!
