Creatives promises: Real or political gimmickry
Sunday, November 12, 2023 | 60 Views |
One of the creatives doing his job. PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG
Since taking over the reins in 2018, Masisi has identified the creative industry as one of the sectors to drive his economic diversification agenda. Masisi has on several occasions, including his previous State of the Nation Addresses (SONA), reiterated government’s commitment to the promotion and investment in the creative industry to preserve culture and generate a livelihood for artists.
On Monday, the President just like in the previous occasions, continued to make pledges to boost the creative industry. The President said the commercialisation of the creative industry presents a huge opportunity for Batswana creatives to generate employment and wealth, especially for the youth.
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...