31 Jul 2016

The Ngamiland International Trade and Agricultural Expo (NITAEX), which was scheduled for July 27-30 failed to kick off due to poor attendance.

The expo was in its third year running and the Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, was expected to perform the official opening on July 29 but his trip was cancelled last minute as the organisers and exhibitors were not satisfied with the public’s participation.

Some exhibitors from government and the private sector came all the way from Gaborone to showcase the services they offered only to be disappointed with the turn up of members of the public.

The expo coordinator, Mr Boyce Sekgoma admitted in an interview that the show was not successful due to his team’s poor organisation.

“I admit that the expo was a flop and I really apologise to the exhibitors and the public at large. I am ready to compensate exhibitors and I promise that next year we will do our best to improve,” he said.

He expressed frustration that despite the few exhibitors who honoured the expo, the organisers did not fulfil their expectation as kraals were constructed late Thursday forcing farmers to return with their exhibits.

Mr Sekgoma also revealed that they had to drop other lined up activities in the programme such as the official opening because things did not go according to their plan.

He promised the exhibitors to provide readily made stalls but there were only three carpeted tents at the show grounds. 

The coordinator said some of the reasons that contributed to the poor arrangement were late payment by some exhibitors, lack of sponsors, the remoteness of the show ground, and failure to conduct stakeholders’ meetings where people could assist with ideas on how to host a successful expo.

“The branding of the show was also a concern as some people felt that it was the same as that of a music festival; hence it failed to attract a large number audience”.

Mr Sekgoma noted that this year’s expo flop would not discourage them from holding the shows in future, adding that the event showed growth since its inception. 

The Maun show was revived by an event management company called Rachet Scapes in 2014 after it had gone under for over 20 years. ENDS