Regional works of art impress
Friday, February 14, 2014
Speaking to Arts & Culture, Botswana Innovation Hub representative Olefhile Chantelle Apadile said they had 20 exhibitors from Botswana, eight from South Africa, one from Namibia and one from Lesotho. Artworks on display included beautiful designs of jewellery and pottery. The sparkling pieces commanded attention from onlookers and potential buyers. Jewellery on display included different designs of necklaces, watches, bracelets, earrings and necklaces, which would undoubtedly appeal to individuals from different walks of life with differing tastes in accessories. One of the exhibitors from South Africa, Small Scale Mining and Beneficiation, had one of the most eye-catching pieces, drawing most admirers.
The company representative, Theresa Tsie, explained that inspiration for the pieces on display was drawn from the rich legacy of indigenous adornment based on traditional skills. The products the company exhibited included Kgabane gold and silver jewellery, and colourful fashion jewellery. Tsie said that Kgabane Jewellery was founded to develop, position and market SA's emerging informal precious metal jewellery craft sector.
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...