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Bakwena’s fervent plea for the arts

Reginald Bakwena, the helmsman at Thapong Visual Arts Centre, has demanded that their profession be recognised as a scarce skill in this wide-ranging interview Story on page A2 PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Reginald Bakwena, the helmsman at Thapong Visual Arts Centre, has demanded that their profession be recognised as a scarce skill in this wide-ranging interview Story on page A2 PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

Reginald Bakwena, the helmsman at Thapong Visual Arts Centre, has overseen the evolution of the visual arts scene over the years. The outspoken artist has demanded that their profession be recognised as a scarce skill in this wide-ranging interview with Mmegi Staffer GOITSEMODIMO KAELO

Bakwena, who is in his 20th year as the coordinator of the centre, has become the public face of the visual arts in the country. An artist and curator by profession, Bakwena commands respect within and outside the industry and his word when he speaks about the arts could be taken as the gospel truth. His passion shows whenever he talks art and he is steadfast that the creative industry can be at the centre of job creation in the country, but that would require a total mindset change to happen.

To Bakwena, art is a creative skill and a rare talent that God has given a few to change the world; as such it should be treated as a scarce skill. In his words, artists possess special skills that are not common and cannot be taken away from them.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

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