24 Jun 2014

Okavango community leaders are happy about the listing of the Okavango Delta as the 1 000th UNESCO world heritage site.

Speaking in an interview, Kgosi Maedze Maedze of Seronga said this meant a lot for the people of Okavango. He said the listing had put the Okavango region on the map and even though some people knew about it, this will increase the number of tourists coming to the delta.

Kgosi Maedze said it had not only made them proud but also provided a chance for job opportunities to increase in the region.

He advised the community to accept the situation and learn that in the past, they were allowed to hunt any wild animal but, because the government noticed the importance of wild animals as a means of making money, hunting was stopped and people were taught about the importance of tourism and how it could boost the country’s economy.

Kgosi Maedze further said this will be the case with the Okavango Delta as it would be protected and it was for their good.

Etsha 6's Kgosi Mwakaupi Seemeko, who is also a representative of the region  at Ntlo ya Dikgosi, said as dikgosi, they had played an important role in making sure that the delta was taken care of even before it was listed.

He said they hosted kgotla meetings informing the residents about the importance of the Okavango Delta and how it was boosting the economy. Kgosi Seemeko said with the delta being a heritage site now, it will bring people from all different parts of the world.

He said this was an awesome moment for the Okavango people as their culture will be known, giving an example about the area being known as the bedrock of crafts.

Furthermore, he said, it was an opportunity for residents to continue making baskets so that they could sell to people who will be flocking to see the 1 000th heritage site.

He also said it was an opportunity for the ethnic groups such as Baherero, Hambukushu, Bayei and Basarwa to shine outside the country by marketing their culture and Botswana as a whole.

The area MP, Bagalatia Arone said even though he had mixed feelings in terms of tourism, the listing will boost the economy.

He said during kgotla meetings he addressed last month because he was sure of the listing, he sensitised the public about it and hopes that the indigenous people will benefit also and be involved in all the processes that will be aimed at improving their lifestyles. Ends