Orange Botswana shown Red
Orange Botswana was this week engulfed in controversy as their poorly conceptualized advertisement was deemed sexist and undermining the rights of a child. Batswana from all walks of life took to social media to express their displeasure with Orange Botswana’s ‘desperate and attention seeking advert’.
While the mobile network company calved and apologized as an afterthought, it was too late as some Batswana believed the damage had already been done. Compounding matters for Orange were suggestions that the child was paid P100 to do a performance of traditional dance, and further that there was no permission sought from the parent of the child for her picture to be used on the ‘sorry advert’.
Senior citizens and international organisations came with guns blazing because the Orange advert was seen to be encouraging pedophilia and or potentially exposing the girl child to abuse and sexual violations. The advert was headlined with a ‘misunderstood’ Setswana idiom by the Orange marketing team, "Nnana tsholetsa makgabe re je bophose”. Linguist, Professor Thapelo Otlogetswe suggested that the idiom has sexist connotations hence linking it to a picture of a child was PR disaster for Orange.
Various personalities, among them politicians and artists took to social media to lay down the moral route for Orange Botswana:
The Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Bogolo Kenewendo, expressed out her concern about a cultural event advert that depicts a girl child in a sexually suggestive or an indecent manner.
“An appropriate outcry to this inappropriate use of a child, there is something on things like these in the Penal code and cybercrimes act, I have consulted with the Minister of Justice and he will revert. You’ll remember I’ve fought hard for the elevation for children’s rights in the national agenda. This is one of the reasons we fight for the protection of children and women’s rights. Another day, another abuse. There still remains a need for feminism,” she said.
The minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development Unity Dow also dismissed the advert. “The Orange sponsored advert that shocked every right-thinking Setswana speaker has now, I understand, been taken off the net, and one hopes, off every other space on which it had been placed. That material so offensive at so many levels could have made it to print and the net is shocking,” she said.
The Minister expressed her shock to Orange officials for approving and agreeing to the controversial and misleading advert. “It is shocking that some adult conceived it; developed it and presumably presented for approval. Is shocking that a team at Orange approved it. It is shocking that not one person, in this chain of actors, was horrified by the advert. It is shocking that other businesses, The Voice, included, proudly associated themselves with the advert. How did we get to this point? It boggles the mind. It's depressing,” she added.
The Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Dorcas Makgato also disapproved the advert due to the content it packaged. “I found the advert sponsored by Orange Botswana among others to be offensive, demeaning and degrading of all children. I have as Chairperson of the BDP Women’s Wing and government Minister responsible for gender, demanded a retraction of the advert and an apology by those responsible. I wish to commend the speedy response by the portfolio minister Hon Mokaila and also BOCRA,” she said.
The Minister rather found the advert insensitive hence the need for public education on the power and effect of advertising and messaging.
“More importantly it highlights the duty and care of the crafters of advertorials and public messages to ensure that their messaging causes no harm to societal norms, morality and public order,” she added. Local poetry and music sensation, Berry Heart also stepped forward and fought her battle against gender violence.
“I saw this Orange Advert and I find it wrong in so many ways and Levels. This is Very wrong. Gatwe Nnana Tsholetsa Makgabe re Je bophose? SE! This is 2018 and we are living in an Era of Paedophiles (men who sleep with kids). A company as big as orange use those Setswana saying that support child molestation and its related misogynistic acts? I refuse!” she lamented.
UNICEF has also cited that the advert exposes children to abuse and validate harmful cultural practices and attitudes that drive sexual abuse. “"UNICEF believes sexual exploration and abuse of children can only be stopped by collective efforts of ordinary citizens, policy makers, governments and international stakeholders. We applaud all those who have spoken out against this practice," Julianna Lindsey, UNICEF Representative.
Meanwhile, the Orange officially found it befitting to apologize to the whole public and they have pulled out the advert. “As Orange Botswana we would like to acknowledge and profusely apologize for the unfortunate misrepresentation of the girl child in the event advert. All our stores will remove all the current posters. The tagline and artwork will be changed with immediate effect. On a final note we thank Batswana for pointing out this oversight. We are an organization that listens and acts. We thank you once again for your continued support,” they said.
WeekendLife
DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs
DJ Sway, the daring and ambitious on-air presenter of Yarona FM, played a crucial role in saving the radio station’s music awards, known as the YAMAs. The event was initially dry and disorganized, but DJ Sway, who co-hosted with Pearl Thusi, injected life into the show. However, things took a turn for the worse when Pearl Thusi abruptly left the stage, leaving DJ Sway to carry on alone. Despite the unexpected setback, DJ Sway rose to the occasion and captivated the audience, effectively putting an end to the drama caused by Pearl Thusi.
In an exclusive interview after the YAMAs, DJ Sway revealed the behind-the-scenes chaos that unfolded during the event. He acknowledged the script editors, Phalana and Hope, who worked tirelessly to reedit the script and adapt it to a one-host format. Despite the last-minute changes, DJ Sway remained composed and focused, thanks to the support of his colleagues, such as Owen Rampha, Katlego Rakola, Tshepang Motsisi (DJ Easy), and LB.
When asked about his initial reaction to the unexpected turn of events, DJ Sway admitted to feeling saddened by how things ended. However, he credited Pearl Thusi for giving him a much-needed confidence boost during his moment of doubt. She reminded him that he was destined for greatness and that he didn’t need big stars to succeed. With her words of encouragement, DJ Sway regained his composure and approached the rest of the show with the same professionalism and charisma he displays on the radio.
To overcome the challenges he faced, DJ Sway relied on his radio skills and calm personality. He engaged with the audience as if he were speaking to a single person, pointing out individuals in the crowd to create a more intimate connection. He also expressed gratitude for his backstage team, who provided support and ensured the smooth running of the show.
DJ Sway expressed satisfaction in being seen as the saving grace of the YAMAs. He believed that he fulfilled his role as a host and brought joy to the Yarona FM board, his family, and his fans. Despite his success, DJ Sway’s journey has not been without hardships. He has experienced the loss of his mother and sister, which has left a lasting impact on him. While he continues to grieve, he seeks solace in therapy sessions and relies on his father for emotional support.
DJ Sway’s dedication to his craft and ability to overcome adversity make him a remarkable figure in the radio industry. His vibrant personality and deep knowledge of music have made him a perfect fit for Yarona FM. Despite the challenges he has faced, DJ Sway remains determined to make a positive impact and bring joy to his listeners. With his talent and resilience, there is no doubt that DJ Sway will continue to thrive in his career and leave a lasting legacy in the world of radio.
WeekendLife
Chef Gustos walk of shame
Chef Gustos, the renowned hitmaker, recently experienced what can only be described as a walk of shame at the 8th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs). Despite being nominated a whopping seven times, he failed to secure a single win. Ouch!
The night was filled with surprises, drama, and controversy, but the biggest winner of the evening was Han C, who walked away with three awards, including Best Pop and Best Male Single for his hit song, “Sebinki.” Han C graciously announced that he would be donating P10,000 from his winnings to his fellow nominees, promoting a spirit of togetherness among artists. What a noble gesture!
Meanwhile, Chef Gustos found himself on the losing end of several categories, including People’s Choice Artist of the Year, which he had won in the past. He seemed unfazed by the loss, stating, “People know that ‘Away’ was big, but they won’t stop me.” It’s clear that Chef Gustos is determined to continue making music, regardless of the awards he receives.
However, he did express his frustration with the outcome, suggesting that the awards may be corrupt. He declined to comment further, citing the need to protect his brand and maintain good relationships with corporate clients. It’s understandable that he wants to avoid any potential damage to his future prospects.
In fact, Chef Gustos went so far as to request that Yarona FM not nominate him for future YAMAs. It seems he wants to distance himself from the disappointment and focus on his music without the pressure of awards. Perhaps this decision will allow him to create freely and without the burden of expectations.
While Chef Gustos may have experienced a walk of shame at the YAMAs, it’s important to remember that awards do not define an artist’s talent or success. His fans still appreciate his music, and he continues to have gigs with corporate clients. So, despite the disappointment, Chef Gustos remains optimistic about his future in the industry.
In the end, the YAMAs may have been a letdown for Chef Gustos, but he’s determined to keep moving forward. He won’t let a lack of awards dampen his spirits or hinder his creativity. And who knows, maybe next time he’ll come back stronger and prove that he’s deserving of recognition. After all, the true measure of an artist’s success lies in the hearts of their fans, not in shiny trophies.
WeekendLife
Women in Science: Breaking Glass Ceilings
Women scientists have made significant contributions to the field of science, yet they continue to face numerous challenges and barriers. Despite their remarkable achievements, women represent only a fraction of researchers globally, and their work often goes unrecognized. The need for scientific role models to inspire the younger generation is urgent. However, organizations like the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO are working tirelessly to empower women scientists and promote gender equality in the scientific community.
The Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have collaborated for over two years to support and recognize women scientists who have achieved scientific excellence. These organizations have awarded more than 100 laureates, with five of them going on to win Nobel Prizes. These women researchers, who have worked in various scientific fields across different continents, are not only changing the world through their discoveries but also serving as role models for aspiring women scientists.
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programs annually support over 250 talented young women researchers. Through regional and national programs, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO provide crucial support to these researchers during their thesis or post-doctoral studies. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to achieve true gender equality in science. However, both organizations remain determined to make this vision a reality.
Recently, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO hosted thirty winners of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science 14th Rising Talents Sub-Saharan Africa awards in Kasane. These awards recognize African women scientists for their outstanding research. During a press conference, Fondation L’Oréal CEO Alexandra Palt emphasized the importance of empowering women scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa, a continent that suffers greatly from climate disruption. Palt highlighted the challenges these women face, including overcoming prejudice, sexism, and harassment, to become accomplished scientists.
The finalists of the awards are scientists, PhD students, and post-doctoral researchers who are advancing various disciplines such as biology, agronomy, physics, mathematics, genetics, and engineering. Their goal is to improve the daily lives of Africa’s people, whether through advancements in health or the environment. These women, such as Dairou Hadidjatou, a pioneer in cardiovascular disease treatment in Cameroon, Esther Uwimaana, conducting research on potential tuberculosis vaccines, and Mwende Mbilo, innovating clean energy solutions in Kenya, are driven by their desire to advance science and society.
The need for scientific role models to inspire the younger generation is crucial. Palt emphasized that Africa currently represents only 2.5% of scientists globally, making it challenging for young girls in Africa to pursue scientific careers when women researchers in their countries are often invisible in the media, scientific publications, and international forums. To address this, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have increased the number of young talents awarded from 20 to 30. These researchers also receive leadership training to enhance their communication and negotiation skills, as well as their ability to address harassment and speak publicly or with the media.
By highlighting the achievements of these women scientists, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO aim to break the glass ceiling and provide them with the recognition they deserve. It is essential to take urgent action on multiple levels to enable these talented women to emerge onto the public stage and be acknowledged for their excellent work. Only then can we truly achieve gender equality in the scientific community.
In conclusion, women scientists have made significant contributions to science, yet they continue to face numerous challenges and barriers. Organizations like the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO are working tirelessly to empower women scientists and promote gender equality in the scientific community. By recognizing and supporting these women, we can inspire the younger generation and create a world where women in science are celebrated and their work is valued.