MPs violate fashion rules
WeekendLife
Fashionista advises on oversized suits and big bellies
Rules of Parliamentary Etiquette & Decorum are spelt out eloquently in the Parliament Standing Orders, but in most the way Members of Parliament present themselves in the form of fashion attracts responses from members of the public.
Across the globe, it has become ‘fashionable’ to scrutinise how lawmakers dress, and present themselves inside and outside Parliament – they are expected to be fashionable. The Log Raditlhokwa once cut former Botswana National Front (BNF) president, Otsweletse Moupo to pieces because of his perceived lack of taste when it comes to fashion and presentation of himself.
Tapping into Raditlhokwa’s jab on Moupo then, it has become part of the national discourse to discuss MPs’ clothes especially at the opening of Parliament or during the State of the Nation Address and Budget Sessions. Generally Botswana MPs observe Parliament rules when it comes to dressing, the biggest problem is taste.
We will miss Rre Phandu Skelemani’s suits of many colours and his unpleasant shirts and ties. He is not alone though, the problem persists! Oversize suits and funny colours continue to irk many at the National Assembly. As role models, MPs are judged every day.
The Parliamentary Decorum and Etiquette expected of Members of Parliament and the public is based on the Standing Orders of the Zambian Parliament and the Members’ Handbook and the traditions and practices of Commonwealth Parliaments. It is intended to serve as a quick reference guide on Parliamentary Decorum and Etiquette. On paper our MPs are following rules to the letter, but in the eyes of the public, many are missing the point on fashion tips.
We expect male Members of Parliament to put on a lounge suit, a pair of long trousers, a tie and jacket, with long or short sleeves and a scarf or tie. The official dress for female Members of Parliament will probably be a formal dress, dress suit or skirt suit, short or long sleeved and below the knee, or formal executive trouser suit (excluding khaki and denim). But the problem is that our MPs can bring any colour as long as it is not party regalia! And this is way we get laughing the whole day.
On the 2nd of February Minister Matambo presented his budget speech. Not everyone concentrated on crunching the numbers, others rather chose to focus on the finer things; fashion among them.
WeekendLife engaged fashion experts to provide a guide for our legislators. Fashion connoisseur, Taolo Taes Entaile has a few tips for male MPs: “Men should put on shoes matching with their belt, it is a standard policy of fashion,” he said.
He went on to indicate that men should not be in-denial about their body types so they can easily choose the kind of suit to wear. The fashion enthusiast added that net searching the kind of cuts to go for is not something to be ashamed of, rather it saves time and benefits the owner of the body.
“A plus size person cannot wear a skinny cut suit, it might just burst and create problems, so I say go for something comfortable, something that holds everything together,” he explains.
Some Batswana men have big bellies thus end up going for oversized suits as a way of trying to cover them. Baggy clothes don’t fool anyone and in fact draw more attention to your weight while downgrading your overall appearance, mood and the impression you make; fitting clothes makes everything look proportional, balanced, and neatly framed.
On the other hand, Entaile says skinny MPs should go for Italian cuts. Entaile expressed concern about men who leave suit labels hanging or visible to everyone! He says they should always remove the stitching on the vents and the label on the left sleeve before wearing a new suit.
Entaile explains that these MPs are in the public eye, therefore for them, image is everything. What they wear can send a wrong message but can also give people hope. The public analyses a person before they can even talk to them so a good fashion sense can pave way for many things.
Some men tend to think that button-down collars are for casual wear only, but they can work great with dressier looks as well. A tried-and-true pattern like herringbone or glen plaid in a muted shade makes an impression without crossing into the realm of brightness. Some say stitching in jacket pockets should not be cut, because putting objects in them will cause the jacket to lose its shape but fashion experts say it is pointless to have non-functional pockets and a business-card holder certainly won't do any damage.
According to Entaile, male MPs should know that when choosing a suit blazer to wear with a long sleeved shirt, the wrist end of the shirt should be visible. The sleeves of the blazer should not completely cover up those of the shirt.
Another thing to keep in mind is that there should be space between the suit trouser and the shoes, most men are seen with pants covering up the shoes, experts say it is a violation of fashion; unacceptable.
Tailoring your pants a little bit short will add distinctiveness to your simple look. As a man, they say one should know their suit’s length and waist size. Most people think three-pieces are stodgy, but when the waistcoat is cut close to the body and hemmed to the belt line, a man looks slim and modern.
Since there is more youth in the parliament this term, fashion experts hope that this will pave way for improved dress code.
Entaile says neutral colours are the right way to show up in public since they brighten up the mood while too much colour is loud for people and dull colours are not attractive. A dark, patterned pocket square provides a welcome visual anchor to a light-coloured suit. MPs and the rest of Batswana men are reminded to always unfasten their jacket buttons when they sit, it is a standard rule.
Men in parliament are advised to find power suits, that is to say, the perfect colour, not too bright not too dull, perfect size, perfect matching belt and socks. Do not forget to accessorise with quiet earth watches, save the bulky shock-resistant sports watch for the gym or your outdoor-adventure excursions, it really has no place with a suit. Keep in mind; Fit is everything, even the world's most expensive suit will look bad if it is not tailored to the contours of your body; note that a tie bar should never be wider than a tie.
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“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