08 Jul 2013

Kgosi Montle Kebuelemang of Mababe village has appealed to President Lt. Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama to delay the countrywide hunting ban expected to take effect next year.

Speaking during a kgotla meeting addressed by the assistant minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ms Botlogile Tshireletso, Kgosi Kebuelemang said they need at least a year or two to draw up management plans on how best to utilise the environment and the wild animals.

“Although I am a big fan of photographic tourism and agree with the decision to ban hunting in Botswana, it is too soon for us since we have not made any other plans to survive after the ban takes effect,” he pleaded.

He indicated that he understands that the decision to ban hunting in Botswana by 2014 was taken in good faith and that they as residents are not against it.

“What troubles me most is that the 36 or so people employed by Safaris in our village will lose work since trophy hunting is our sole bread and butter,” he said.

Kgosi Kebuelemang indicated that they are going to need ample time to draw up management plans which in turn will need consultation with the people and approval by relevant authorities.

“By this time next year my village we will be in dire drought and hunger if an extension is not given on the hunting ban,” said the youthful chief.

On other issues affecting his village, Kgosi Kebuelemang complained to the assistant minister about the conduct of Tawana land board and the unfair treatment they gave them.

He explained that the allocation of land has not been done for the past two years.

“Officials from Tawana land board have indicated that they made a mistake by allocating us land in Mababe since it is state land and has not been converted to tribal land, but why is it taking too long to convert it,” quizzed Kgosi Kebuelemang. He said as a result of suspension of land allocation the village does not have shops.

“Our lives are at a standstill and officials at the land board are giving us a run around,” he said.

Residents of Mababe village also complained to the minister about the state of the road which continues to cause fatal accidents.

They indicated that a lot of tourists are dying because of the dilapidated state of road and feared that this will negatively affect the tourism industry in their area.

For her part, Minister Tshireletso informed residents that the number of Ipelegeng workers in Mababe have been increased from 40 to 50.

“I would also like to inform you that for this year, three houses from the President’s house appeal initiative will be built in Mababe,” she said.

She indicated that concerns by Remote Area Development Programme (RADP) graduates’ concerns of not being able to find work will be addressed.ENDS