Maretlwaneng wins Africa Achievers Award
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Botswana’s youth filmmaker Thabiso Maretlwaneng was a recipient of the African Achievers Awards at the 2015 ceremony held in Sandton South Africa on the 25th July 2015.
Maretlwaneng won “A Special Recognition Award For Excellence’.
This award recognises Maretlwaneng’s contribution in the development of Film and Television in Botswana and establishment of a youth company Dee-Zone Production through Botswana Government youth fund (YDF) scheme.
After existing for five years, the company employed 50 young people, created and produced a 52 episode TV drama, Ntwakgolo, which is aimed at fighting the HIV and AIDS scourge in Botswana; 26 episodes of Pelokgale, a gender violence TV drama to stop women abuse; helping develop the music and arts through Pula Power TV program that showcases Botswana talent across Africa on TV and also the producing of Exclusive Botswana segment on ‘Good morning Africa’ DSTV which exposes Botswana to Africa and the world.
At the age of 32 his recognition is an inspiration to Botswana youth and Botswana government’s efforts in assisting youth entrepreneurship in Botswana.
Among the winners on Saturday night ceremony included Africa Union commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma who was honored at the ceremony given the Excellence in Leadership award in the female category. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma campaigned and won as the chairperson of the African Union Commission (she was the first woman to do so) in 50 years.
President of Tanzania, His Excellency Jakaya Kikwete was given the male Excellence in Leadership award. SABC won the Best African TV Broadcaster and Good Morning Africa (GMA) on Africa Magic channel Dstv won the Outstanding TV program Producer Mabel Mabaso. Nigeria's screen diva Omotola Jalade- Ekeinde and the nation's king of comedy, Ali Baba were also honored.
Overview: African Achievers Awards
The African Achievers Awards is geared at recognizing excellent individuals, organizations and governments that have distinguished themselves in their contributions to the growth and development of Africa.
Our focus is to motivate all Africans on the Continent and in Diaspora particularly current and prospective leaders through recognizing outstanding persons and organizations across a broad range of categories that have contributed remarkably to the development of Africa in their own way.
In Oct 2011 the first African Achievers Award was given to Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu in recognition for his fight for Human Right, Justice and Peace during his 80th birthday celebration hosted by Kings College London. Then others like Her Excellency Joyce Banda were recipients of awards in different categories.
Many recipients including Her Excellency were present in person to receive their award for their great works and contribution to the progress of Africa. Following the establishment of the event aboard, it seemed proper to take the event to African. Therefore, in February 2013 the Awards were held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Worthy recipients included; Late Prof. Atta Mills, former President of Ghana who got a Posthumous Award for Excellence in Leadership, the Ghana High Commissioner to Kenya received it on his behalf; Late Dr. Rilwanu Lukeman, for the Life Time Achievement Award; Last year the awards were held in Ghana. National and international media houses have increasingly recognized the potential of the African Achievers Awards.
Therefore, the awards have enjoyed the presence of CNBC Africa, CCTV News (African office in Kenya), EL TV, TVC, VOX Africa, E Africa, Ok Nigeria, BBC, CNN, Joy TV, Ebonyife TV.
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Thabiso Maretlwaneng certified Master in filmmaking
“IT’S TIME FOR US TO ARCHIVE BOTSWANA HISTORY INTO BIOPICS FILMS”
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Dr Lame Pusetso comes to writer’s rescue
Multi award winning author of fifteen (15) books, Dr Lame Pusetso has put together a platform to empower local writers. Dr Pusetso is a President and Chairperson of the Executive Board of Kasapa Society.
She is also the Managing Director of Poeticblood Publishers and an owner of an online bookstore dubbed Mind and Soul Bookstores. Dr Pusetso has reiterated her commitment to helping upcoming authors, writers and poets in establishing their crafts and capitalizing on them.
In an exclusive interview this week, she said that she has put together a platform dubbed Botswana Literature Awards, which have fourteen categories.
When quizzed on what the awards stand for, Dr Pusetso said “writing as a form of art in Botswana is a skill that many have and have always been exploring. As a publisher, I have met different writers from all walks of life and some indicating that there isn’t enough motivation to keep going.”
In Botswana and according to the writer, there has been a limited representation of appreciation of authors. This is despite their efforts year in year out.
The whole intention of these awards really is to honor and recognize the hard work that local authors put in, when doing what they know best (writing).
“This is a way of appreciating their creativity and we will be doing this across all genres. The awards also act as a motivational tool to young writers who still have dreams of becoming best selling authors. Quite frankly, their works are of great importance and we cannot afford to let that slide like that.”
Dr Pusetso emphasized that all the winners will walk away with an award, a certificate and complimentary gifts to take home. “The two winners of Best Overall Author and Best Young Author will in addition receive book publication deals which includes book distribution and marketing for a year.
She gave a clearer picture of how authors can be a part of the literature awards.
“The awards are open to every author from the age of 7, must be a Motswana, and their book should have been published before or by 2022. For authors with more than one book, they are allowed to compete with only one book for one category, and different books for different categories.”
The young writer pinned hope on institutional collaborations, in order to stage the second edition of the awards next year, saying “We believe with these awards, the different institutions and stakeholders will show interest in helping nurture the literature scenario in Botswana.”
“It will also give authors hope and light to keep writing and penning down their stories for the benefit of all. We anticipate to host the next edition in 2024 with assistance from all interested parties.”
THE LITERATURE AWARDS CATEGORIES
Dr Pusetso stressed that there are fourteen (14) categories, and they are: Religious or Faith Based Book, Poetry Book, Children’s Book, Multi-lingual Writer, Best Collaboration, Setswana Novel, English Novel, Motivational Book, Best Young Author (7-13), Overall Best Author, Best Theory, Best Online Writer, Best Media Writer (Honor Award) and Honor Award (Long Serving Best Author).
EXPLAINING SPECIAL AWARDS
Best Media and Honor Award, Dr Pusetso said are not based on submissions but nomination by the committee. “For Honor Award, we want to appreciate the individual who has inspired the Botswana writing scenario over the years and even assisted numerous authors as both a writer and a community leader.”
The Best Media Writer award is meant to appreciate a journalist who is actively taking part in appreciating and helping authors in marketing, advertising and affording them a platform to showcase their works through their writing skills.
Meanwhile, the Botswana Literature Awards will be held on the 29th April and they are partially sponsored through the literacy grant. This is a grant under the Botswana National Library Services which falls under the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture.
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Women’s Awards hit the ground running
The second edition of the much-anticipated Women’s Awards Botswana will be going down on the 27th May 2023 in Gaborone at Travel Lodge. The organizers of the prestigious awards have announced finalists, with three nominees per category.
Women’s Awards Botswana is established to empower women and celebrate them from all walks of life and across sectors. The awards raise awareness for women to be granted equal participation, particularly in decision-making positions, as one way of breaking the gender bias.
They also seek to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women from diverse industries in Botswana. Taking a closer look at the categories, He for She award celebrates and shines a light on men who stand and support women.
These are men who advocate for inclusion of women, men who stand against GBV and men who promote any service that can better women life. Her Abilities award looks into women who have shown determination to keep moving and achieve any goal they have set for themselves, regardless of their disability.
Other awards are self-explanatory. They celebrate women in arts, culture and entertainment, agriculture, creativity, innovation and technology, tourism and hospitality, community impact as well as organization supporting women.
ORGANIZER SPEAKS ON CRITERIA USED
When speaking in an interview, Founder and Director of Women’s Awards Botswana, Bofelo Zebe, said in their first edition, they had fifteen categories, which was enough for a piloting project.
“But we left out many industries or lines of work. After the event, we received reviews and suggestions, and there was an intensive evaluation that led to us increasing the categories to eighteen for this second edition.”
He said the nominees were voted in by the public, adding that the finalists were judged by a panel with the support of votes from their supporters.
When shedding light on what winners take home, Zebe indicated that there is an award trophy, certificate and goodie bags for all categories but “we are working to have financial sponsors jump on board so that winners and nominees can receive monetary incentives. We are also busy at work trying to retain our previous sponsors.”
THE 2023 WOMEN’S AWARDS BOTSWANA NOMINEES
HE FOR SHE AWARD
Desmond Lunga, Tlhabo Kgosiemang and Christopher Seagateng
BEST WOMAN IN ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Ditshupo Mosoboloko, Thanolo Keutlwile and Seneo Mabengano
HER ABILITIES AWARD
Koketso Seleke, Goabo Kgasa and Mumsie Odirile
SPORTS WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Naledi Marape, Ouname Mhotsha and Keamogetse Kenosi
WOMAN FASHION DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Montle Rantatana, Lesedi Matlapeng and Trudy Bakwena
BEST WOMAN IN AGRICULTURE
Nomathemba Masuku, Basadi Molelekeng and Keolebogile Keabetswe
BEST WOMAN IN CREATIVITY, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Marang Mbaakanyi, Didintle Moreki and Thandeka Palai
BEST WOMAN IN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY
Masego Keleadile, Wapula Matshambane and Tshepo Phokoje
YOUNG WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Bridget Gothaang, Waone Makobo and Kimberly Matheakgomo
WOMAN OWNED SME BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Suits Africa, Nomlu Nail Bar and Sunflower Desserts
BEST WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS
Prezlin Clothing and Dawn Bell Academy
FEMALE MUSIC ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Mpho Sebina, Dato Seiko and Priscilla K
BEST ORGANIZATION SUPPORTING WOMEN
Sekao Foundation, The Fighters Support Group and Single Mothers Living with HIV
BEST WOMAN WITH COMMUNITY IMPACT
Lebopo Bulayani, Nanzelela Chaitezvi and Kebadile Wasenda
MEDIA WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Poppy Sello, Keikantse Shumba and Kedi Lezozo
FAVOURITE PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Marang Selolwane, Palesa Molefe and Masi Sithole
BEST WOMAN IN LEADERSHIP
Naseem Lahri, Neo Bogatsu and Lily Rakorong