Mmegi

11 years of GIMC: A festival that shaped a generation

Music fans enjoying during the GIMC 10th anniversary music concert at the Royal Arena Stadium in Tlokweng on September 7, 2024 Pic: Monirul Bhuiyan/PRESS PHOTO
Music fans enjoying during the GIMC 10th anniversary music concert at the Royal Arena Stadium in Tlokweng on September 7, 2024 Pic: Monirul Bhuiyan/PRESS PHOTO

Eleven years on, the Gaborone International Music and Culture Week (GIMC) returns this year with its week-long festivities. This week, SHARON MATHALA catches up with the event organisers as they reflect on their journey.

The man behind the brand, Thapelo Pabalinga, shares that for the past years, GIMC has continued to drive and contribute to economic and youth employment through its value chain support.

Pabalinga says GIMC has supported local businesses in the past few years, creating significant employment opportunities for the youth. “GIMC’s impact extends far beyond the stage, creating a ripple effect across multiple sectors. From event planning and logistics to hospitality, catering, and creative services, GIMC engages a wide array of local businesses, strengthening the economic ecosystem. Local vendors, including food and beverage providers, artisans, and merchandise creators, benefit from increased demand during the week-long festival. Transportation services, accommodation providers, and tourism operators also see a surge in activity as thousands of attendees, both local and international, flock to Gaborone,” Pabalinga said.

Editor's Comment
Child protection needs more than prevailing laws

The rise in defilement and missing persons cases, particularly over the recent festive period, points not merely to a failure of policing, but to a profound and widespread societal crisis. Whilst the Police chief’s plea is rightly directed at parents, the root of this emergency runs deeper, demanding a collective response from every corner of our community. Marathe’s observations paint a picture of neglect with children left alone for...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up