06 May 2018

Key partners in the implementation of the Ngamiland Sustainable Land Management Project (SLM) have acknowledged the contribution made by their members in the accomplishment of the SLM project’s mandate.

The technical reference group recently organised a farewell ceremony to thank three of their outgoing members, namely, Mr Kgotso Sebeko from the Department of Environmental Affairs, Mr Patrick Boitshwarelo from the Department of Crops and Mr Gothusang Kochane from the wildlife department.

The sustainable land management project was implemented by the UNDP and some government departments, and is aimed at addressing land degradation challenges in Ngamiland.

It also aims to improve rural livelihoods at the household level through sustainable management of natural resources by communities. The project, which started in 2014, is coming to an end this year.

Speaking at the event, the project manager, Ms Belda Mosepele said they found it fit to thank the three men and acknowledge the effort they put to accomplish the project mandate.

She said the trio contributed meaningfully since the inception of the project and during implementation, adding that even during their benchmarking trips outside the country, they participated in the discussions.

In addition, she said the trio had the communities’ interest and aspirations at heart.

Another TRC member, Mr Jobe Manga shared the same sentiments, noting that the trio worked tirelessly for the success of the project.

He said Ngamiland District was sensitive economically, politically and ecologically, and that “their contribution was visible throughout and we really appreciate their hard work in transforming the district.”

He said they have left a legacy in Ngamiland.

Mr Manga said he had long known Mr Kochane as a result oriented person while implementing the Botswana Human Wildlife Co-existence project which ended in 2016.

The five-year project was funded by the government in partnership with the World Bank to the tune of P41 million, and was piloted in three districts of Chobe, Okavango and Boteti. In Okavango the project was launched from Seronga to Gudigwa.

The main objective of the project was to mitigate human-wildlife conflict through proactive prevention interventions, and to offer locals in the project areas employment choices in wildlife-based tourism to benefit directly from the presence of wildlife.

Mr Manga revealed that the project produced positive results, noting that 90 per cent of youth trained by Mr Kochane were hired in the tourism industry.

For his part, deputy council chairperson, Mr Lathang Molonda thanked the TRC for appreciating good performance. He said the SLM coordinators showed the trio the value they added to the team and the project.

Mr Molonda said recognition was not just a nice thing to do for people, but that it was a communication tool that reinforced and rewarded the most important outcomes people created for their organisations.

For their part, Mr Boitswarelo and Mr Kochane thanked SLM project coordinators and TRG members for believing in them. They said it was not an easy journey, but that through hard work, commitment and team work they managed to deliver desired results. Ends