28 Jul 2024

Vice President Slumber Tsogwane has applauded the CSI Concepts Foundation, the organisers of the Desert Bush Walk, for continuous commitment towards growing the initiative and its impact on the communities.

He said the Desert Bush Walk was not only beneficial to curb non-communicable diseases, but it also contributed towards the socio-economic aspect for the less privileged and small businesses.

He was speaking at the Desert Bush Walk 2024 edition held in Jwaneng on Saturday.

“This initiative has grown over the years, and last year part of the proceeds were used towards funding research and innovation at the University of Botswana, while the rest went go to charitable organisations. In addition, this event contributes towards the economic growth of the district through various sectors such as hospitality and informal sector businesses,” he said.

Furthermore, Tsogwane noted that the presence of this year’s guest walker, Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho at the event was testament to the good relations that Botswana shared cordial relations with other countries in the region.

“Her presence strengthens political and economic ties between Botswana and Lesotho, and we do not take this for granted,” he noted.

For her part, Queen Seeiso attributed the growth of the initiative to the peace and prosperity that prevailed in Botswana, which she said created a conducive tourism environment for patrons from other countries.

“The increasing popularity of this event is a clear indication that a peaceful and prosperous nation can attract tourists who can contribute to the development of the country’s economy. As Basotho hikers, we have travelled these many miles not only to challenge our physical and mental strength but also to enjoy the peace and warm hospitality that Batswana offer,” she said.

Queen Seeiso further noted that the initiative resonated with her mandate as her country’s champion for adventurous sports and tourism, hence a lot of Basotho came in large numbers to support the project that had a positive impact on lives.

She was subsequently optimistic that they would utilise the opportunity to benchmark on the event. “I have no doubt that we can draw important lessons from this experience, which we can take back to the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho,” she noted.

Meanwhile, a member of the Desert Bush Walk local organising committee, Resego Komanyane said even though they faced challenges this year, particularly with sponsors, they managed to attract enough number of participants.

She applauded the hikers for their continuous support and commitment towards charitable projects they embarked on.

She also appreciated that the number of hikers had increased from last year, with new participants from Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

“Our hikers have increased this year, we have close to 4 500 walkers this year from the 3 000 we had last year,” she said. Ends