Annual Gantsi Meat Fest promotes farming as a profession
For a long time Gantsi has been regarded as the meat hub of Botswana, hence hosting the Gantsi Meat Fest lies solemnly on this unique activity that has its social historic event originating in the western region of Botswana. The event’s objective, organisers say, is to promote Gantsi meat, promote farming as a profession and brand the area as the meat hub of Botswana.
The fest is an expression of a colourful culture that encapsulates meat, music, cultural activities, costumes and performances.
While meat festivals are celebrated in various styles, with slightly different names and themes throughout the country, Gantsi Meat Fest is a mouth-watering meaty event in its 4th year that presents a unique factor in the fabric of our society. It preserves and strengthens the Gantsi diverse culture and makes a positive contribution to economic development.
Gantsi is the gate way to Namibia through the Trans Kalahari Highway and tourists on their way to Maun should be able to identify with Gantsi as the best of meat in Botswana, according to the organisers. Farmers are calling on stakeholders to build a meat processing plant and owners should see the potential of opening business in the area and the hospitality industry should prefer the fresh meat from the region.
The meat industry as seen and experienced in Texas, USA gives the State an edge above other states; as such the same can apply to Gantsi in Botswana. This year marks the 50th Independence anniversary of Botswana, this milestone deserves a big celebration hence the 4th annual Gantsi Meat Fest which shall go for three days with revellers putting on Botswana colours. The festival will start with the crowning of Miss Gantsi Meat 2016 on 30th September, followed by Badisa Competition on the 1st October and then the music festival on the same day until the wee hours of October 2nd. It will wrap up on Sunday with a mellow tip dubbed Jazzy Meat.
The Miss Gantsi Meat 2016 beauty pageant brings a unique aspect of appreciating the big boned ladies of our nation. On its 2nd year, the pageant entrants will cat walk on the ramp with traditional wear (Leteisi), sporty wear and evening gowns. The Queen will then become ambassador for Gantsi meat. She will during her reign, drive the measles campaign as part of the CSR and promote government farming initiatives such as ISPAAD and LIMID.
With the Badisa Competition, which will run from 9 am till 12 pm, participants will be in groups and show off their farming skills. Groups will compete in animal skinning (go buwa), dislocation of joints (go lokolola) and scrubbing of hooves (go karapa ditlhako). The winners will get trophies and medals. The competition intends to promote Badisa’s activities at the farm with the intention of registering them as a sporting code.
Revellers will get a welcoming braai pack upon arrival with braai stands lined up ready for use at the main event. The artist line up is dominated by local acts. For the main course, the revellers get to enjoy different recipes of game. These are red wildebeest, Kudu, Gemsbok, Warthog, Impala, Springbok and Eland. Each species will be made into Seswaa (pounded meat), fried meat and stew. Also in the menu is beef, mutton, goat meat, pork and donkey dishes.
For the mellow jazzy Sunday, revellers will get to enjoy masuhu, ditlhogo and ditlhako. The session will kick-start at 11 am till 10 pm. It is a relaxed and camp chair affair with DJ’s playing slow jams the whole day. The event is celebrated under the theme; Go tlhaloganya diphologolo botoka le go nna le seabe mo go di sireletseng, literally meaning(understanding animals better and taking part in their protection). The information booklet dubbed ‘pasa ya go ja nama’ or passport to eat meat replaces the conventional tickets. This is an educational booklet with information on animals on the menu, line up of activities, feasting times, and advertising space for sponsors. The idea is to spread the conservation message while having fun.
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.