Speaking at the recent Yarona FM Awards, Mophuting stated that communities inspired government to introduce the Arts and Culture Grant. She added that they knew that if they were to unlock the true potential of their creative economy, they had to remove the financial barriers that so often hold back talent. "Through this grant, artists, cultural practitioners and organisations can now access up to P50, 000 for small projects and up to P250, 000 for larger initiatives. This is more than just funding. It is our way of saying we see you, we believe in you and we are ready to invest in your voice. And because we recognise the scale of ambition many creatives hold, whether it is producing a feature film, launching a music festival or building a digital arts studio, we are taking it a step further," she said.
Furthermore, she explained that the government is in the process of establishing the National Creative Arts and Film Fund that would serve as a sustainable source of capital for large-scale creative and media projects, aligning with Vision 2036’s goals of cultural preservation, job creation and economic diversification. Mophuting pointed out that when government invests in creativity, it invests in innovation adding that as government believes in artists, it also believes in the future. Additionally, the Assistant Minister pointed out that the YAMAs were not just an awards ceremony, but a declaration that creativity is alive and thriving in Botswana, that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the innovators of today. She also said the awards are a platform that amplifies the voices of the youth and puts the spotlight on their dreams. "I am also informed that over the past eight editions, more than P6 million has been invested into our creative economy through the YAMAs. From production crews to fashion designers, hotels to stage managers, this platform has created short-term employment for more than 800 creatives. These are not just numbers. They represent stories of opportunity, of someone getting their big break, of dreams inching closer to reality," Mophuting stated. For her part, Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) representative, Setho Makepe said her company chose to sponsor the awards as it also recognises and appreciates talent. She further added that the company joined Botswana in celebrating creativity, talent and inspiration that music brings and adds to lives. She also said through the awards, the company acknowledges the arts that have become the voice of this generation and the champion of their cultural identity. "Music had the power to transcend boundaries and bring people together. Today we recognise the extraordinary artists, producers and teams who made it all possible. We gather here to pay tribute to those who make the music that moves us, tell our stories and shape the soul of our nation. The YAMAS are a powerful reminder that the creative industry is not simply entertainment, it is a key part of our economy, a force for youth empowerment and a reflection of who we are. ODC's partnership is rooted in our firm belief that Botswana's greatest treasures are not only found beneath the earth but also in the talent that arise from within its people," she said.
