BOMU reflects on Masisi meeting :: Mmegi Online

The Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) this week met with President, Mokgweetsi Masisi and Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Dumezweni Mthimkhulu to share experiences about challenges creatives face as a result of the suspension of public events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting was also aimed at discussing possible interventions that the local creative industry can employ to ensure safe resumption of activities, following the lifting of the State of Emergency on September 30, 2021. Among the requests or proposals BOMU put forward to Masisi was the increase of local content on all local radio and television stations to a minimum of 70%.

According to a BOMU press release, Masisi agreed outright that the current 40% local content airplay on local media houses should be significantly increased as it does not inspire any confidence. The statement added that Masisi assigned Mthimkhulu to engage all key stakeholders including BOCRA to facilitate forthwith Cabinet review and amendment of the 40% resolution previously made. “BOMU expressed concern on the annual budget allocation of P9 million for procuring broadcast rights for Football and Music Awards.

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