Kwambala calls for creatives rehab centre
FRANCISTOWN: The entertainment industry, which is often depicted as a glamorous realm of success and fame, actually conceals a grim reality of substance abuse and mental health issues.
As a result, the city deputy mayor, Lesego Kwambala, has recently advocated for the establishment of a rehabilitation facility to assist the troubled creatives in overcoming these obstacles.
Speaking on behalf of the Assistant Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Buti Billy, Kwambala addressed the creatives and other stakeholders during the Copyright Society of Botswana (COSBOTS) and the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) mental health, anti-drug, and substance abuse campaign for the creative industry, which was held at Chedu Choga Hall. Kwambala claimed that the same industry can be extremely emotionally and physically taxing, which can result in feelings of stress, insecurity, and loneliness. He went on to say that it is time to raise awareness of the mental health crisis and provide impacted creatives with the support they require.
He stated that substance abuse and working drugs are very common in their society and have the potential to be detrimental to both the general well-being of the community.
According to Kwambala, despite the perception that creative people have it all, many of them struggle with anxiety and depression as a result of social pressures.
He continued: “The pressure to achieve, to innovate, and to consistently deliver can lead individuals down the dark paths that are frequently invisible to the public eye.”
Additionally, he stated that it is critical to promote candid dialogues, offer resources, and foster a welcoming environment where people can ask for help without worrying about being judged. As a result, he advocated for the creation of a rehabilitation facility for struggling local creatives who are addicted. Additionally, he stated that comprehensive preventative and education initiatives that are especially adapted to the needs of this community are required.
The city deputy mayor indicated that regulations that support worklife balance, give access to mental health services, and develop a supportive and cooperative culture within the sector should all be prioritised for creative professionals.
“The government is committed to working closely with those in the creative sector to address these issues. We’ll commit the resources, create focused programmes, and offer the assistance required to make sure that our creative community grows in a sustainable and healthy way,” he continued.
Kwambala had earlier acknowledged the crucial role the creative industry plays in their community saying it is more than just entertainment; it is about influencing their culture, mirroring their ideals, and upending their preconceptions.
Additionally, he stated that the nation’s economy can be made more diverse by the creative sector.