The tender has been a hot topic since the previous administration awarded it a few years ago, with the uproar picking momentum again this week. On Monday, the Botswana Film Association and the Botswana Screen Society raised concerns over Botswana Ignite, a project led by the American comedian, actor, author, broadcaster and television presenter, Harvey’s company called Steve Harvey Global. Steve Harvey Global was given the over P500 million tender by way of direct appointment by the previous administration for the provision of radio and television production services for three years by the government. The associations are of the view that the tender undermines local talent, and fails to build capacity within the country’s film and entertainment industry. The associations have pressured the new administration to take action about the project. They criticised the claims by the previous administration that Batswana lack the necessary skills and experience to execute such a project, which they view as a disheartening dismissal of local potential. The associations have called on the new government to cancel the tender and award it to the locals.
However, Mohwasa has pleaded for time before any decisions could be made regarding the issue. “We will not be able to give you answers now on some of these issues. We have interacted with Botswana Television twice and held discussions over some of these issues. "There have been allegations raised so we will have to meet with those involved to get their side as well before we take action. We will come back to address you thereafter,” Mohwasa said during a press conference recently. The Botswana Ignite project has been clouded by controversy since its inception. The project has received widespread criticism from Batswana, including opposition parties that demanded that the tender be scrapped off since it was awarded irregularly and unfairly. The Botswana National Front (BNF), a member of the current ruling coalition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), through its then publicity secretary, Justin Hunyepa, said they were vindicated that looting and corruption took place under the state of public emergency and the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Hunyepa said Harvey was possibly being rewarded for campaigning for the BDP in the 2019 General Elections. Hunyepa argued that the funds given to Harvey’s production company could have been used to improve the local creative industry, which has been locked down since last year. When contacted for comment this week, the Programme Manager for the TV academy, Nikita Mokgware, said she hopes that a viable solution would be found. “I know this project has been a hot topic within the industry for years now. I look forward to the government hearing the associations, and meeting with them to discuss a beneficial way forward soon,” Mokgware said.
