10 Aug 2015

The Minister of Transport and Communications, Tshenolo Mabeo has praised the Gaborone automotive industry for playing a pivotal role that has since contributed to the economy.

Gaborone motor show held its third event this past week at Fairgrounds Holdings in Gaborone. 

The 2015 Shell Gaborone motor show, which has given the local automotive industry and associated businesses an opportunity to parade the best products they have to offer, started on Friday August 7.

Addressing motor enthusiasts at the launch of the Shell Gaborone motor show, Minister Mabeo said the contribution by the motor industry and petroleum sector could not be over stated. 

“This is evidenced through job creation, customs and tax duties, transportation (rail, road, air), energy, motorsport, tourism and in social responsibility initiatives. And for that Botswana applauds you,” said Mabeo.

He also said motor shows were important to any motoring industry as they offered a chance for the industry to showcase their best to the market in which they operated. 

He further noted the importance automotive events such as those hosted by Shell Gaborone motor show.

“We can attest that through such motor shows customers will learn how different vehicles perform in terms of safety, consumption and their durability,” he said. 

He also stated that motor enthusiasts were afforded a chance to come close with exotic, handcrafted and antic models and learn about them.

He further said the government’s role was to create an enabling environment for the motor industry’s success by providing and facilitating delivery of efficient transport and communications infrastructure and services. 

The minister applauded event organisers and their sponsors for hosting the event for all Batswana and contributing to the development of the automotive industry in the country. 

“Botswana has steadily grown over the years and it is encouraging to see captains of this motor industry come together under one roof to showcase their products. This is evidence of the business confidence that exists in our economy and indeed in our country as a whole,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mabeo challenged automotive manufacturers and dealers to come up with a more vibrant vehicle to compete in the famous 1 000km Toyota Desert Race next year. ENDS