Entertainment Promoters petition MP's over BOT50 organisers
The fight between Botswana Entertainment Promoters Association (BEPA) and Bots50 event organisers is far from over.
This week at Parliament, a group BEPA members hijacked MPs serving them with letters to vent their frustrations over what they deem as ‘divide and rule tactics’ by BOT50 celebration organisers.
According the President of BEPA, Zenzele Hirschfield, local entertainment promoters have been trying to engage BOT50 organisers since last year seeking for an audience and assimilation in the Botswana Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations. The promoter has since complained that they are ignored over the matter.
“Currently we feel like the BOT50 Board is a system built to divide us, and will leave us impoverished if we do not stand together against this unfortunate situation. We want communication and appreciation of our contribution towards the success of the Golden jubilee celebrations and the socio-economic impact it will deliver.
In the current state of affairs, we feel our industry is up against serious exploitation, victimisation, conduct disorders, and disrespect to our trade,” states a letter from BEPA dated 4th July 2016.
“We have built this industry for decades, we have paid our dues, this industry belongs to us, and we are committed to it, re e ntsheditse Magadi! Moreover, Hirschfield said the BOT50 celebrations are using public funds for work that belongs to them while at the same time excluding promoters. The promoters said they cannot be left in the cold during this opportune time in which the arts and culture sector must receive a major boost.
Earlier this year, BEPA reported BOT50 to the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) and also sought an audience with members of Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Moreover, in August 2015, Promoters lodged a complaint regarding a certain South African company that was awarded a job to organise what later became the controversial Botswana Electronic Music Festival (BEMF) to celebrate the country’s 49th Independence Anniversary.
Back then; a team of local Promoters went to meet Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Thapelo Olopeng along with BOT50 Board representatives. During the meeting, the Minister pointed out that the job was given to the South African company because local promoters do not have enough experience and capacity.
“Out of frustration, promoters later tried to engaged BOT50 Chairperson Mr Boyce Sebetela who promised to call the promoters early this year to address our concerns, and take our suggestions and inputs to the independence jubilee celebrations going forward. However, meeting never happened, despite our constant reminders.”
BEPA also complained about a shroud of secrecy surrounding BOT50 celebrations as well as irregularities in the operations and governance of some of the Golden Jubilees events. Moreover, BEPA raised concern over a single one promoter, Ngwao Brand Architects, who seems to be awarded all the events that have taken place in the build up to the Golden Jubilee. BEPA alleged that there has been no call for tenders or expression of interest regarding BOT50 related events.
