29 Aug 2019

The 2019 edition of Tsodilo Hills Heritage Challenge is expected to be bigger with increased participation.

The challenge will be held  at Tsodilo Hills tomorrow under the theme; Walk for Rural Development.

Kgosi Kelebetse Keasheta of Tsodilo said in an interview that he was anticipating a bigger event this year as it had now become popular among many people compared to when it started.

He said the inaugural event last year was a success, given the turnout and revenue generated.

He said preparations by the local organising committee were in full swing.

Kgosi Keasheta said proceeds from last year’s event were used to refurbish the mobile clinic structure in Tsodilo.

Revenue, he said was also used for maintenance of campsites around Tsodilo Hills as well as installation of more standpipes at the campsites.

The airstrip at Tsodilo, Kgosi Keasheta said was relocated to a bigger space and funds used for bush clearing were also proceeds from the Tsodilo Hills Heritage Challenge 2018.

“If this walk can continue for many years to come, the Tsodilo community can benefit a lot from it,” he said.

He said this year there would be five stalls for alcoholic beverages, with two of them allocated to Tsodilo residents and three to people from outside as a way of empowering the locals.

Kgosi Keasheta also noted that ten slots would be available for catering services, while four would again be reserved for locals and six available for outsiders.

One beneficiary from last year’s event, Ms Lydia Mokgosi, who did catering said she made P10 000 from the event.

Ms Mokgosi said with the earnings, she managed to purchase a fridge and two big pots to grow her catering business.

She therefore commended organizers for the initiative, noting that the Tsodilo Hills Heritage Challenge benefited a lot of small businesses in Tsodilo. 

Meanwhile, the Tsodilo Hills Heritage Challenge 2019 is divided into two parts, a bush walk and a cultural night.

The bush walk will start at 0600hrs and has two categories; 15km and 31 km.

The main objective of the event is to enhance the socio-economic development of the Tsodilo enclave area.

The event also seeks to publicise and market the Tsodilo Hills World Heritage Site as a tourism destination and also promote healthy living through exercise.

It also aims to promote the cultural heritage of the Ngamiland region through songs, dance and poetry. It further aims to undertake development activities within Tsodilo village that enhances the living standards of the people. Ends