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From 6 July 2006, a graphic version of the current edition is available at the Daily News Online web site.

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Speaking to BOPA during a consultative meeting for the poets and story tellers held in Tlokweng recently, one poet from Letlhakane, Gobifelwamang Ofeditse, said what the department is doing was a step in the right direction.

Its a good thing that the department found it fit to call us poets to discuss issues surrounding this type of art genre, because with an association it will be easy for our voice to be heard, he said.

He also said that the association would act as a mouthpiece for poets and storytellers around the country as well as help vocalise views of those who have been left in the corner.

He said it was difficult for poets from rural areas to seek funds and help adding that when they go to offices they are shy to communicate their needs because of their limited English.

Another poet from Lobatse, Percy Sedio, said there was a lot of individualism when it comes to the arts.

I think this meeting is very good in that it will help us come together as poets, he said. According to Tshireletso Motlogelwa of Exodus Live Poets, there was a problem with the way we register our groups.

We are registered as societies which when in need of funds approach the government, and because we are often assisted by the government we sometimes lose out from the corporate world - companies assistance.

When welcoming guests, the Director of Culture and Youth, Gaogakwe Phorano, said his department has commitment under National Development Plan 9 to strengthen collaboration with arts implementing agencies and organisations.

This commitment says we will as a department support logistically, financially and technically where practically possible any of our partners in the arts industry, he said.

It is with this in mind that we have called this meeting today to deliberate on the idea of an association of poetry.

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