President Masisi’s tie sells for P11, 000 at auction
WeekendLife
President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Wednesday night obliged to have his tie he wore that night sold to the highest bidder. The president was officiating at Room50Two Boutique Hotel’s official opening, which was followed by a fundraiser art auction of the hotel’s original artworks which were sourced locally.
The auction raised P 341, 000, part of which will be donated towards various charitable causes and some artists. President Masisi wore a classic navy blue diamond repeat silk tie which was sold off to the highest bidder at P11 000. The money will solely be donated towards charity. The event was graced by captains of different industries who presented to support this unique initiative by making generous bids.
Room50Two’s Head – Project Development, Justin Jose explained that as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, they plan to take a different approach when giving back to the community. “We commissioned several artists to paint pieces within a given theme, these pieces are what we are currently using throughout the hotel,” he said.
Jose further explains that the auction aims to raise funds for the President’s choice of charity. “This is how we would like to show our support to the country’s new leadership. In the same manner we decided to give the artists a portion of the auction proceeds as a continued show of support for their individual art and the community as a whole.”
Room50Two sourced the artworks that grace its rooms and reception lobby in a unique fashion. Through a process of special invites to well- established, reputable local artists to present their portfolios, they were able to shortlist and commission 13 local artists to create artwork in keeping with quality and prestige of the home these artworks would grace.
The 14 stunning original artworks were auctioned the evening of the opening. From the inception of the idea to specially- commissioning artwork for this iconic building, Management felt it important to serve their Corporate Social Responsibility mandate by auctioning the original artwork to raise money for charity, with part of the auction proceeds going back to the artists. Housed in Gaborone’s tallest building, this boutique hotel is proving to become an icon of Botswana’s tourism and is set to instantly capture the hearts and imaginations of business travellers.
Set in warm and soothing tones, Room50Two hotel offers a unique lifestyle experience defined by the highest standards of hospitality. The rooms are designed to cater to the demands of business travellers and families alike. The hotel is immaculately furnished with full sized bathrooms, kitchenettes and lounges. It blends the concept of serviced apartments with the hotel.
The hotel complex consists of the one and only, rooftop restaurant in Gaborone- Table50Two. It is an alluring fine dining restaurant and outdoor terrace located on Level 28 of the towering iTowers building. The restaurant is handsomely designed, expertly balancing sociability with tranquillity. The food and drinks at Table50Two are as distinctive as the space itself. The Restaurant has already become a popular destination for people visiting the City. The outdoor terrace is a good vantage point to enjoy the beauty of Gaborone.
WeekendLife
Creatives taking over 2023
Creativity is seen everywhere and these individuals did something recently that’s never been done before, and some are still killing it. We see creativity on streaming platforms, stages, runways, social media and boardrooms even. Some of them are revamping their businesses, and lately, clothing sale is thriving.
They love concept-driven designs, storytelling and they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that will leave footprints in the sand. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, these creative minds utilized the drawing board and they became cognizant that monetizing content will actually take them far, which is frank nonetheless.
This is commendable though, but the creative industry will still need support from government in order for it to flourish further. Allocation of resources (funds, facilities and empowerment) should be done consistently, creativity must be raised and at the end of the day, the economy benefits from that kind of investment.
HAN C
Ever since he parted ways with his former manager, DJ Bougee Sid, Mahalapye born-pint sized, multi-award-winning artist, Hanceford Magapatona has been taking up space, unapologetically so. Han C has shown a strong will to take over the entire world, and he is in the right direction. He’s solely organizing the annual Mahalapye Spring Festival, which is taking place next weekend.
The Pepetetsa hitmaker raked some monies from his savings to put together this event. Mahalapye Spring Festival will feature Paige, Ubuntu Band, Khoisan, Amantle Brown and Double Up among others. Even though it didn’t come as a surprise, Han C was nominated at African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in the US, under Best Male Southern Africa category.
However, the award was snatched by the late South African rapper, AKA. Its not all lost as Han C secured two nominations at the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs): People’s Choice of the Year and Best Male Single.
KOKETSO MOTSWAGOLE
This entrepreneur has turned his dreams into reality, and his promising apparel business is now a fashion destination. Matter of fact, Motswagole weathered the storms to be where he is now because through criticism and social media bullying, he still leads the pack in fashion.
His social media accounts got deleted but through his online store, KM Sales, Motswagole is able to rake in some profits. He initially started selling from his car but now owns a busy store and has employed a number of young people.
KM Sales has been offering fashionable items (shoes, t-shirts, pants) and has been participating in various lifestyle events such as Garden of Drip where it showcases its products.
If there is one young entrepreneur to draw motivation from is Koketso. The business started from humble beginnings, at the time when he worked part time at Ipelegeng as a casual labor. Indeed, good things come to those who wait, or well, work like a slave today, live like a king tomorrow.
KAGISO LUDO DE KLERK
Vee Mampeezy’s ex-wife Kagiso De Klerk clearly did not sit and weep over their dramatic divorce. The famous social media influencer hurriedly picked up the pieces and went hard on promoting business online. She literally took social media influencing to the head and it is working for her.
This year saw her partnership with Shell reach greater heights, and obviously, she is raking lot of pulas from the deal. Kagiso has been making frequent appearances in top events in South Africa such as Bubbles in Spring and Gold and Diamond Experience.
GAONA DINTWE
After a long break from the limelight, renowned media and radio personality, Gaona Dintwe is back. She was missed by many on TV, and she’s back where she belongs, news anchoring on BTV. Gaona has also found a niche in podcasting. She is a host of her own podcast, Gaona Live Conversation, where various people share their stories on camera.
Some of what they discuss is Gender Based Violence (GBV), polygamy and drug addiction. This is highly commendable because even BTV doesn’t have programs that discuss these crucial social issues. The Lentswelemoruti native is also seen in various corporate events where she is engaged as a host.
WeekendLife
DITIRO LEERO ONE MAN SHOW ON THE PIPELINE
Now that one-man shows are made fashionable, traditional dance guru and ex-convict, Ditiro Leero is joining the crusade and he will be hosting his also. The show will be held next month at Zone 4 Farm in Selokolela, but the there are traditional dance music artists who have been lined up to perform at the show. Matshana, Morwa Leka and Maswailathota will be doing their thing and probably bring some heat too. Ditiro Leero will be making history as the first traditional artist to host a one-man show in Botswana.
WeekendLife
MISS BOTSWANA HAVING MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE
With only two months before Miss World 2023, the reigning Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo is having many irons in the fire, preparing for the much-anticipated beauty pageant. Miss World 2023 will be the 71st edition of Miss World pageant and it will be held in India. Chombo has been spotted toning her body at Jack’s gym, a requirement that is taken seriously at the pageant. She has also been participating in charity events, something that should add to her profile at the Miss World.