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
Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up