14 Oct 2024

The chief walker of Makopanelong Hike and radio personality, Thabo Osekeng has advised traditional leaders of Kgoro, Lejwana, Gathwane and Gamajaalela to form a trust.

Speaking on the side lines of the inaugural hike, which started at Kgoro Pan and through Kgoro Hill, Osekeng said the trust would help them to get assistance and recognition from government and other stakeholders.

He said apart from health benefits that were associated with training, the walk also fostered relations of the four neighbouring villages.

“There is no doubt that residents had a much needed break from their everyday chores to come and bond with one another as they share borders and have much in common,” he said.

Osekeng said the hike was the first of its kind in the district and that it had  the potential to grow just like Hika la Ngwanyana Cultural Festival in Moshupa and others that were held across the country.

“It can also promote the much needed sport tourism opportunities that are non existent in the district.” he said, adding that despite last minute preparations and marketing, he was optimistic that it would grow into a big brand and that residents would eventually have gain from it economically.

The objective of the hike was to preserve and promote heritage.

For her part, Peggy Serame of Peggy Serame Foundation thanked the organisers and said they helped with unearthing hidden opportunities that were in the district.

She said her wish was to see the district prospering in different fields such as tourism and farming, and advised residents that it would only be possible if they owned the mandate.

The foundation donated over 40 different fruit trees to the four villages, which were to be planted in their respective dikgotla.

She also thanked those who took part in the hike, saying without their input it would not have been successful.

One of the organisers, Andrea Mokopakgosi said their tree planting campaign, dubbed Campaign Tree 365, which sponsored the Makopanelong Hike, had so far held other successful events in places such as Lobatse and Ramotswa.

He said their main aim was to encourage residents to preserve trees which would ensure that there was minimal soil erosion, and that it would allow people to keep producing food. Ends