On 18 October 2025, Minister Jacob Kelebeng formally acknowledged the Tiro Mpane Foundation for its long-standing commitment to the development of choral music in Southern Africa. Although the Foundation was founded in South Africa, it has demonstrated significant regional engagement by supporting choirs in Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. This cross-border involvement has positioned the Foundation as a leading promoter of cultural integration and artistic excellence within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Minister Kelebeng highlighted that the Foundation’s work goes beyond financial support. It provides local choirs with opportunities to participate in competitions, workshops, and collaborative performances, fostering skill development, technical proficiency, and creative innovation. By doing so, it helps emerging talent gain exposure to broader regional artistic standards, encouraging choirs to improve both their repertoire and performance quality.
The Minister further noted that such cross-border initiatives strengthen cultural cooperation among SADC member states. They encourage knowledge sharing, artistic mentorship, and collaborative learning, which are critical for the sustainability of the region’s cultural and creative sectors. Through these initiatives, choirs in Botswana and neighboring countries benefit from access to advanced training, professional guidance, and international networks, enhancing their competitiveness and visibility on regional and global stages.
Minister Kelebeng emphasised that the Tiro Mpane Foundation’s dedication reflects a deeper understanding of what effective regional development entails. He highlighted that development in the arts sector is most impactful when it promotes collaboration, shared opportunities, and mutual upliftment, allowing each country to benefit from pooled expertise and resources. This approach, he noted, also strengthens cultural diplomacy by positioning the arts as a unifying force across national boundaries.
On behalf of the Ministry of Sports and Arts, Minister Kelebeng expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s recognition of Botswana as a partner in the promotion of Southern Africa’s cultural heritage. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance artistic talent, encourage youth participation, and promote cultural tourism. The partnership is expected to contribute to sustainable growth within the creative industries by fostering a skilled workforce, creating employment opportunities for emerging musicians, and stimulating local economies through cultural events.
The Minister concluded by affirming that such investments in choral music not only enrich cultural expression but also strengthen regional identity. By enabling choirs to collaborate, compete, and learn within a broader Southern African context, the Tiro Mpane Foundation contributes to the long-term development of a vibrant, interconnected, and resilient artistic community. Its work underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in cultivating talent, preserving cultural heritage, and positioning Southern Africa as a center of musical excellence.
This recognition of the Foundation by Minister Kelebeng highlights Botswana’s proactive role in supporting cross-border artistic initiatives, signaling a commitment to regional cultural growth that extends beyond mere participation to active leadership and collaboration.
