Olopeng fights to increase entertainment hours

Olopeng PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Olopeng PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture (MYSC), Thapelo Olopeng, yesterday met with performing artists to discuss a way forward to develop the performing arts sector.

Among the hottest issues at the first ever consultative meeting was the current operating time, which entertainers have been crying about for years. Olopeng announced that he is in talks with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) to refine the policy on trading hours. “We are working on the regulations to extend trading hours up to 2am for liquor stores and entertainment will follow,” he said.

Olopeng however was quick to indicate that they will revert to the current operating time if accidents and crime increase after the change. “We cannot mislead the nation; if we relax our laws we also have to be professional and play our part,” he said. Olopeng said entertainers should come up with messages and direct young people to behave in a good way at all times. “Our country is peaceful and if we hold this in a beautiful way, I will keep asking for more,” he said.

Editor's Comment
Gov’t must rectify recognition of Khama as Kgosi

While it is widely acknowledged that Khama holds the title of Kgosi, the government’s failure to properly gazette his recognition has raised serious concerns about adherence to legal procedures and the credibility of traditional leadership. (See a story elsewhere in this newspaper.) Recent court documents by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Kgotla Autlwetse, shed light on the intricacies of Khama’s recognition process....

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