28 Jul 2019

Vice President Slumber Tsogwane has commended  organisers of the Desert Bush Walk for initiating a project that does not only promote philanthropy but also enhances economic diversification.

Speaking at the fifth edition of the annual event in Jwaneng on July 27, he noted that the Desert Bush Walk had gained popularity over the years thereby promoting Jwaneng as a tourism destination across borders.

“This walk is gaining popularity and currently promotes Jwaneng and its environs as a tourism destination for both local and international tourists, under a cultural and sports tourism portfolio.

This is a growing economic diversification strategy for the tourism sector in Botswana,” he said.

He also appreciated the event’s contribution towards citizen empowerment through the hospitality and small business industries.

He said local accommodation facilities and service providers benefitted from the initiative. Additionally, Tsogwane said the Desert Bush Walk did not only contribute to the education sector as was primarily planned, but it promoted healthy leaving among participants.

“This walk does not only contribute positively towards education, but it also plays a very crucial role in promoting health and wellness in Botswana as it serves as an opportunity for people to exercise their bodies through the walk,” he noted.

He commended all stakeholders, including the local authorities, for the support that made the event a success over the years.

 He also acknowledged the contribution of participants from outside Botswana.

He urged them to visit Botswana’s other tourism attraction sites such as Chobe and Okavango to appreciate the country’s beauty.

However, the Vice President said more support was needed to keep up with the pace the project was growing at.

He called on more stakeholders and the private sector to join hands with the organisers to build a legacy intended to uplift communities and enhance economic diversification in the country.

For his part, the organiser Archibald Ngakayagae noted that even though their primary objective was to contribute towards education, particularly basic education, they had since decided to broaden their scope.

“We started off focusing on basic education but we have since realised that our assistance is needed in various sectors and therefore this year our beneficiary is a child who does not have limbs,” he explained.

Ngakayagae applauded the vice president for not only gracing the event but also participating in the walk and making a P5000 donation.

 He also commended all stakeholders, especially who had been their partners since inception in 2014, for believing in their mandate.

He, however noted that even though there had been significant growth in terms of participation, more support was needed.

“We have attracted a lot of participants from within Botswana and from various countries outside but due to limited sponsorship we are forced to limit the number of tickets issued.

This year we had to stop ticket sales at 3000 because we did not have the capacity to go beyond that,” he said.

One of the participants, Lawrence Kgotle of Maoto Mpepe Hiking club in South Africa appreciated  the concept as it was also a fun exercise to undertake.

He said the desert terrain was not a challenge as compared to the ones they usually take. Ends