15 Jul 2014

Preparations for Ngamiland District agricultural show are progressing well as sponsors too are coming forth to make the event a success.

The four-day event, dubbed Ngamiland International Trade and Agricultural Expo (NITAEX), will run from July 30 to August 02 at Matshwane Show ground next to the dumping site.

Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) chief executive officer, Mr Cross Kgosidiile is expected to officiate at the event. The show’s coordinator, Mr Boyce Sekgoma said in an interview that preparations are at an advanced stage noting that his committee is working around the clock to finalise all the logistics.

He said currently they have managed to clear the show ground and erected kraals, adding that stalls are still up for sale to those who want to showcase their products. “I am optimistic that the event will be a success as there is a lot of excitement about its revival,” he added.

He said they would soon meet with officials from department of agriculture who are their technical partners to advice on which areas or zones to take livestock from.

He also appreciated the fact that many sponsors, private companies all over the country, individuals and government departments have shown a great support towards the event.

He said Cresta Hotel has promised to offer a room for two while Fresh Taste from Mochudi offered two tonnes of livestock feed for livestock on exhibition. Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board offered to organise Letlhafula event. Mr Sekgoma revealed that the listing of Okavango Delta as a world heritage site would also boost the event in terms of promoting tourism. 

He said they are expecting an influx of people to the tourism destination area to experience tourism at its best.

He said there are a lot of tourism activities in Maun such as game drive, scenic flights and boat cruise. 

“We expect a lot of people to attend the show as it would be a world class annual event,” he added. Mr Sekgoma said they have advertised the event adding that this week, they would convene a meeting at the main kgotla to sensitise the community about the event and encourage them to bring their products.

He said agricultural exhibits would be offered a free space to encourage the communities to own it and also to appreciate that Ngamiland communities had traditionally depended largely on the livestock industry as a livelihood.

NITAEX would be an annual event that takes off from where the Ngamiland Agricultural Show last stopped more than 20 years ago.

Mr Sekgoma said the event would promote economic diversification, benefit tourism operators and even the entire community as they would have a platform to share ideas, information and knowledge on issues of concern. 

He also said the event would promote food security in the district through the promotion of the agricultural sector.ENDS