Botswana Post toasts philately industry, vultures’ conversation
WeekendLife
On Monday night Minister of Wildlife Environment and Tourism Tshekedi Khama joined the Ministry of Transport and Communication in endorsing Botswana Post, saying the Post Office should continue to receive support.
This was in recognition of the valuable and strategic support and positioning that Botswana Post plays in the country’s economy.
He said that it is through efforts of Botswana Post, through its Philately programme that Botswana will be able to brand and communicate its unique and rich heritage and the diverse bio-environment.
The minister further said that stamps are certainly playing an active and excellent role in this regard.
While speaking at the event, themed, “Save Botswana’s Vultures – The future of our National Heritage”, Khama said it is through man’s activities that these fine magnificent birds are facing extinction.
“In thinking we are developing, we increase the perils faced by the vultures, through poaching, indiscriminate killing and disturbing their breeding areas. This is wrong. The vultures are a key component of the world ecosystem, as much as, if I may say, the Post Office is a key component of the communication eco-system facing the same challenges. It is laudable that these two come together and show us the need for collaboration and support to achieve mutual gains,” he added.
Vultures have a very central role to play in maintaining the delicate balance of the world ecosystems. They play an active role in the food chain, aiding the cleaning of the environment ensuring that the process of circulating nutrients back to the earth continues.
Minister Khama said that the resuscitation of the philately industry and the conservation of the vulture were important. He encouraged that with resilience, persistence and commitment, a cause would receive recognition and support.
The event, an auspicious one in the philatelic and conservation calendars, commemorated the launch of the ‘Save Botswana’s Vulture’s’ commemorative Stamps issue; which marks the fourth Commemorative Issue of the year after Okavango Delta Heritage Listing, Abstract Art in Botswana and African Buffalo in Botswana and the Vervet Monkey in Botswana collection.
Botswana Post has been making strides in its transformation from being a traditional mail deliverer to a one-stop service provider of note since the inception of the Icon of Excellence strategy in 2011. This has allowed the company to diversify its products and services while striving for processes optimisation in pursuit of overall efficiency. The introduction of technology into everyday processes has enabled the Post to remain relevant in the fast changing business environment.
The stamp issue was unique in that it accentuates the notion of protecting the vulture species against extinction. The use of Thermo chromic ink, which is an ink or dye that is temperature-sensitive compounds, makes the image on the stamp disappear temporarily when touched with heat. This is testament of the ability of the Post to leverage in technology, not only for new products but also for re-engineering of the old traditional postal products such as stamps.
Research has indicated that the vulture population is declining at an alarming rate, and something must be done – within the farming, school, tourism and social communities to spread this knowledge.
The decimation is due to multiple reasons, including trophy hunting, poaching, improper farming methods and indiscriminate destruction of vultures’ habitats.
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.
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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.
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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.