07 Dec 2014

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, on December 6, joined farmers in the Sherwood area as they came together to compare notes during a market day.

He had the opportunity to tour exhibition stalls whereby exhibitors familiarised him with their range of exhibitions from handmade jewelry, handmade bags to handmade knitwear, toys and cards.

Speaking at the event, the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Eric Molale,  praised farmers in the area for reserving a special day on which to showcase their products and services. Mr Molale said he wished for the initiative to prosper because it was moving in the same direction with government.

He said the Sherwood area was strategically located in regard to amenities such as electrical power, telecommunication service and the road to the Martins Drift Boarder which is a daily route for business people and tourists.

The minister encouraged the organisers never to let go of their creativity because it would empower traders and build partnerships, as well as create an enabling environment for local producers.

Speaking on behalf of the area MP, the administration officer in the Sefhare/Ramokgonami Constituency Office, Mr Michael Kgwaadira urged the organisers to go all out to brand and package the event for it to attract and appeal to the corporate world and exhibitors, among others.

Mr Kgwaadira said he had no doubt that if aggressively marketed the event had the potential to become one of the most sought after occasions in the calendar of arts and crafts in the country.

He said it was through support from the corporate world that the event could improve; thus he appealed to companies to consider sponsoring the event to make it even more successful.

One of the hosts, Ms Kae Ferguson said she was inspired by the presence of important figures such as President Khama and minister Molale, promising that the event would be held on a regular basis.

Ms Ferguson said there were many farmers in the area some of whom have difficulties accessing markets to sell their products; as such, the Sherwood Market Day was  an opportunity for them.  ENDS