Govt Turns Groupie For Jazz Maestro Watanabe

Sadao Watanabe perfoming at Gaborone Main Mall Piazza PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES
Sadao Watanabe perfoming at Gaborone Main Mall Piazza PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES

Japanese jazz legend, Sadao Watanabe received a red carpet treatment synonymous with ambassadors and visiting heads of states. His press briefing was hosted by Foreign Affairs Minister, Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi at the Mass Media Complex.

And for the first time in recent memory, Gaborone Main Mall square was transformed into a wonderful festival venue like in world-class cities and fancily called the ‘Main Mall Piazza’.

It was revealed on Thursday that Watanabe was in Botswana at the invitation of President Ian Khama after the jazz maestro also known as Nabesada wowed Khama in 2010 during a Botswana cultural show in Tokyo. And that explains the awkward groupie reception Botswana was extending to Watanabe.

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...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up