The initiative, supported by the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA), Copyright Society of Botswana (COSBOTS), Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA), Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS), and the University of Botswana (UB), aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of media professionals in Botswana, equipping them to navigate the evolving media landscape with excellence and integrity. The training programme featured insightful group discussions led by BOCRA, BURS and the UB, focusing on critical topics such as media ethics, intellectual property rights, digital transformation, and the fight against broadcasting piracy.
The event also included a keynote address by Assistant Minister for State President, Maipelo Mophuthing, who graced the occasion as the guest speaker. In her remarks, Mophuthing emphasised the critical role of the media in shaping democracy and fostering national development. “Thank you, MultiChoice Botswana for your commitment to empowering the media industry. This will come a long way in strengthening the ethical journalism, particularly in an era of misinformation,” she said.
Mophuting also acknowledged the critical role of editors and senior journalists as gatekeepers of information and called for continued collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society to strengthen Botswana’s media ecosystem. The Managing Director of MultiChoice Botswana, Stephanie Pillay, reiterated that “MultiChoice Botswana is dedicated to empowering media professionals and enriching Botswana’s storytelling landscape because their expertise is essential to producing credible and impactful content”.
Pillay also expressed gratitude to the BEF, CIPA, COSBOTS, BOCRA, BURS, and UB for their invaluable partnership in making the training programme a success.
Frikkie Jonker, director of Broadcasting Piracy and Cyber Security in the MultiChoice Group, also addressed the participants, shedding light on the growing threat of broadcasting piracy and its impact on the media industry.
He highlighted the need for collective action to combat piracy and protect intellectual property, stressing that a sustainable media industry relies on the secure distribution of content and safeguarding of creative works. The training programme provided a platform for robust dialogue and knowledge-sharing, with participants engaging in discussions on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the media industry.
The collaboration between MultiChoice Botswana, the Botswana Editors Forum, and other stakeholders marks a significant step towards building a vibrant, innovative, and ethical media sector in Botswana. MultiChoice Botswana remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower media professionals and contribute to the growth and development of Botswana’s media industry. This training programme is a testament to the company’s belief in the power of storytelling and its dedication to fostering excellence in journalism.
