CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
Kick back with a giant of the women’s game
IN terms of timing, the moment was hardly ideal!
Despite a recent Covid-19 spike pushing the death toll to 1,125 and counting, Botswana Promoters Association (BEPA) gathered before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday to once again push for the entertainment industry’s partial re-opening.
Led by BEPA patron, Philip Makgalemele, the association requested the go ahead to hold ‘test events’ at 30 percent of venue capacity.
RESEARCH
Makgalemele revealed BEPA have been benchmarking with other countries on how to hold safe, Covid-19 complaint shows and are now in a position to put the research into practice.
“Just to add on, the impact of the pandemic is very severe on us. So we did a lot of research and studied how other countries operated their events during this era and what can be easily replicated - hence we are asking to be given a chance.
“We have also briefed the Minister of Youth regarding a presentation we have on how we intend to carry out such events,” disclosed Makgalemele, noting that even though the briefing took place last year, the Minister [Tumiso Rakgare] was yet to get back to them.
Building on the presentation, BEPA Vice Chairman, Sydney Nzala, begged government for support.
“While it’s a noble idea to hold an event of 50 people, it’s also important to understand that we can have 500 people in one area in barricaded formats whereby 50 people are in different barrier lines,” he highlighted.
Nzala also pointed out that opening-up on a limited basis would provide valuable lessons and pave the way for the industry’s eventual fullscale re-opening.
COST
Switching focus slightly, BEPA Treasurer, Gaolatlhe Kediemetse, explained digital events, popular in other countries, had failed to take off in Botswana primarily due to the cost involved.
“Holding events online in Botswana does not make sense. We are one the most expensive when it comes to Internet expenditure, being in the top five countries world wide.”
Finally granting BEPA the feedback they have long been waiting for, PAC member, Hon. Mataosane promised the matter would be taken up in parliament.
“Your issue is heard and will be presented to the parliament floor,” maintained Mataosane.
(21 March - 19 April)
Peace is not just the absence of war. True peace is the state of harmony. You can’t feel completely peaceful in your heart when your mind is filled with warring and worrisome thoughts, dear Aries. This week, you may find yourself in a position where you are resolving a conflict, yet, it doesn’t feel quite complete to you. If you have chosen to forgive someone, you must also come to terms with that forgiveness. There is every reason to do that, and this week, you can. Give yourself an order to release those harmful emotions. You may gain deeper insight this week into a personality clash. If you have a negative reaction to someone at work or in a community situation that is causing you duress, even if you can’t get on board with this individual, if you can at least come to understand why it affects you in a certain way you can resolve it internally.
(20 April - 20 May)
You may find yourself back in control after several days when you felt like you were floundering. You are finally able to tap into the ability to tie up loose ends without agonizing over every detail. There is a lot to accomplish this week, Taurus, but if you keep your mind focused on one matter at a time, it will all get done. You may not have felt very articulate when the chance to defend your position on a controversial topic came up recently, but this week, your thoughts are more organized, and your ability to present even abstract ideas is very strong. Say whatever you need to say, keeping in mind, that the delivery will have a strong impact. Practice anything you need to present beforehand for added confidence. Feelings about something that happened a long time ago between you and a long-time friend have been buried seemingly forever.
(21 May - 20 June)
Frustration over a recent delay in an effort you have put time and perhaps money into may be causing you to consider quitting. In the last few weeks, you have felt stalled and blocked from doing what you had to do, despite your best efforts. Some of these challenges were simply life getting in the way, but that may have left you drained. This week, though, a shift is beginning. There may not be an obvious solution appearing all at once, but little obstacles should begin to break away, and moments of help and inspiration will come to you. If you keep at it, it should get significantly easier by the end of the week, Gemini. Your caring side comes out this week when someone shares their story of courage and persistence. In fact, it may even inspire you in areas of your own life. Whatever help you can give, it will be greatly appreciated, and it will also help you in some other way. A meeting that is either planned or takes place this week will require prior conversations.
(21 June - 22 July)
This is an excellent week for gathering information for a hopeful venture, Moonchild. This is something you have only become more concretely involved in recently, or perhaps you are just starting to take it seriously. If you diligently set out to explore what the possibilities might be - including both potential downfalls and rewards - you can get a very clear picture of whether this is something good for you or not. There may be a lot to hope for here. A connection you made some time ago may come through for you this week during a moment when a current endeavor seems to be falling apart. This last-minute intervention may leave you feeling stressed, so be sure to take care of yourself and take some time to soothe yourself this week with self-pampering. A change in the personal life of a friend or family member may have had more of an impact on you than you thought it would. This week, that change may become more pronounced, but it isn’t all bad.
(23 July - 22 August)
Your intuitive abilities are enhanced this week, Leo. Although you always have this gift, you may put it to good use in the days ahead. You have probably been thinking about a path that is opening up for you, and the more you think about it from a place of calm and centeredness, the more intuitive you will be about it. Don’t pressure yourself, and it will come to you naturally. Most people born under your sign tend to be family-oriented. You are usually at the center of your immediate family, and you may even be the go-to person for aunts, uncles, cousins, and so on. You are seen as a source of strength and wisdom, and you are often relied upon when things get challenging. This week, a happy reunion may be possible that won’t include any of the above-described issues that force you to come to the rescue. This should be just a peaceful, warm time to spend with those you love.
(23 August - 22 September)
A breakthrough is possible with a financial conundrum this week. You may have been figuring out how to arrange funding for something, and some great ideas may occur to you that have real promise. Continue to pursue this to the end so that you are sure you understand all the angles. Family will be in focus this week as well, possibly with others coming to you for help in solving some issue or argument. You are seen as the voice of reason, Virgo, and you can certainly provide an objective viewpoint that may help get everyone on the same page. Your astute sense or reasoning and your bargaining skills are very sharp now. That makes this a great time to negotiate on any large purchases you need to make, or to complete any business or personal deals that have been lingering without a solution.
(23 September - 22 October)
Home is where the heart is for you this week, Libra. Whether this is by choice or by necessity, it should be an enjoyable time. Make the most of it by planning something special - even if it’s just a fine gourmet dinner prepared for you and by you - although, it would be extra nice if you could invite a special friend or loved one. Add a glass of your favorite drink and a sweet dessert to it and make a night of it. It is moments like this when you truly relax and reflect that can enrich your life immensely. You may have had trouble focusing on a job or project that you find monotonous, but now you need to get down to business. This week, if you put your needs out into the universe, you should find the assistance or guidance you need to get this done. But do make this a priority because it is on the verge of becoming a pressurized situation.
(23 October- 21 November)
Things are flowing more smoothly through your love life this week, Scorpio. You may find yourself feeling less flirtatious and more inclined toward a richer, deeper, more lasting kind of love. If you are attached, this week could mark a new milestone in your relationship with your significant other, marked by the sharing of your most important thoughts and dreams, perhaps some things that you have never shared with anyone before. If you are single, you could be drawn now to more lasting relationships, rather than playing the field. You may be more work-minded this week as well - more so than you have been in some time. You are feeling ambitious and drawn to loftier goals. Anything you start now in this mindset could take off quickly and bring you lasting and impressive success. Try to cultivate safer opportunities versus those that involve a higher level of risk.
(22 November- 21 December)
You may finally be able to figure out where and how to start with a project you have been assigned, or it may be an idea you had in mind for some time. The pressure may have been building for some time, and the more intense it got, the harder it was to see the path clearly. But signs you receive or guidance that comes to you will help you pull things together. Be positive about this, for you are now headed in the right direction, Sagittarius. Things are going your way in a work-related matter where you have become the air of authority. Your natural inclination for this task is being noticed, and others will surely turn to you for advice. Don’t let this intimidate you - let it inspire you. Share your passion and high hopes for what you are working on.
(22 December- 19 January)
This week presents you with an ideal time to communicate a message that is important to you, even if it involves profit and selling something. Therefore, seminars, lectures, and other types of sales presentations will be most successful. This is just one small part of your week though, Capricorn. The main focus for you in the days ahead should be venting pent-up energy that isn’t healthy. This is a time for you to get back on track with your well-being, both physical and emotional. Beginning a new fitness program or a healthier diet is a good thing to consider, or generally just being more aware of what you need to thrive. This also involves saying things that you have buried deep in the past, and that’s something you may need to improve on.
(20 January - 18 February)
You may find that the people who surround you this week - from family members to even the most casual interactions - are really rather chatty. They may want to talk and share with you their thoughts, their emotions, and even their dreams. They are drawn to you now for your brilliant ability to insightfully assess ideas and goals, and to provide objective overviews. Share your talent for visionary thinking, for you may find it quite exciting to hear about the hopes and dreams that others have been nurturing. This could also be an ideal time for forming an entrepreneurial plan. If you have been thinking about going into business for yourself, even in some sort of a smaller pursuit on the side, your efforts will be enhanced, and you should be able to find resources and assistance with the extra energy and acumen that you are now blessed with.
(19 February - 20 March)
What do you want to manifest in your life right now, Pisces? Think about that seriously and deeply, for this is a week when great things can begin. Your mind and imagination are razor-sharp, and ideas are coming to you more easily. You should also find that whatever interests you will be easier to attain now. If you start a new venture now that has to do with your future and your enjoyment of it, it will be met with great support. Although personal dreams are in focus, your career or your ability to earn is also important right now. You can set a course toward your biggest goal with greater ease in the days ahead, and the steps could become more obvious to you and easier to plan for. An unexpected shift in a family matter may place a lot more responsibility on you this week.