31 Jul 2017

Thousands of philanthropists braced the chilly Saturday weather to participate in the annual Desert Bush Walk in Jwaneng.

The Desert Bush Walk was started in 2014 by a team of volunteers with the intention to give back to the community, especially the education sector.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Basic Education, Unity Dow said the Desert Bush Walk has grown since inception in 2014.

She said the growth was not only with numbers but has also attracted participants from different countries in the Southern African region.

Moreover, she said she was impressed that it was a youth initiative, and that a lot of young people were involved both in the organisation and participation.  

She commended the organisers for coming up with an initiative which motivated students and had a positive impact in the results at schools.

“As a ministry we are thankful because this project helps our students every year. It also motivates them and we have seen an improvement in the school results in this region,” she said.

One of the participants, Tefo Lesihla of Thaphoha Hiking Club from Lesotho said they decided to support the Desert Bush Walk because they were also engaged in charity activities in their country.

“This is a good gesture which needs to be supported, especially that it helps children. We are also engaged in similar activities and we strive to make these children to understand the importance of giving back to people,” he said.

Another participant, Masego Molosiwa of Ditsamaanaga Hiking Club from South Africa said her team has been supporting the Desert Bush Walk since its inception in 2014.

She said the number of representation has been increasing every year due to increased interest within members. She said in 2014 they had 10 representatives, who increased to 50 last year and this year they brought more than 100 members to participate.

She acknowledged the idea behind the initiative and also emphasised the need for it to be nurtured to grow into something bigger with an even bigger impact.

She also appreciated the feedback that participants continued to get in regards to how the proceeds were used every year.

“Our hope is that the standard goes up so that it could attract more people from across the continent and not only Southern Africa,” she said.

The organiser of the Desert Bush Walk, Archibald Ngakayagae said they managed to reach the intended target for this year hence the overall objective was achieved. He said they would later strategise on how best to give back to the schools in the Jwaneng/Mabutsane area, which were their target beneficiaries.

He also acknowledged the partnerships that they had forged with different teams from across the Southern African region, saying it would enhance growth in the future. ENDS