28 May 2018

Mabutsane Sub-district councillors have pleaded with the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) to retain Jwaneng as the venue for the annual Toyota 1000km Dessert race to allow surrounding villages to continue benefitting.

When pleading for the retention of Jwaneng as host, Councillor for Kokong/Morwamosu Prayer Zulu said other regions have their own events, citing the Ghanzi Agricultural Show and Khawa Dune Challenge.

Tsonyane Councillor, Moitshepi Ontiretse also shared the sentiments, adding that the race added value to the lives of the residents.

Meanwhile, BTO marketing manager, Thabang Segaetsho thanked the Mabutsane authorities for their support for the race, promising to take their suggestions and feedback to the relevant authorities.

He said since BTO was not the sole stakeholder in the race, they needed to consult with their partners and other stakeholders to see whether the race should be relocated or not.

Segaetsho further noted that even though a preliminary survey suggested the Central District, Ghanzi and outside Gaborone as alternative host sites, there were challenges of shortage of kilometres in some areas as well as considerations of the distance participants would have to travel to for the race.

He said focus was on the economic benefits accrued to communities, lamenting however, that some spectators erected informal campsites which post health hazards. 

Segaetsho also assured councillors that BTO would fix the route after the race and compensate the community for any damages. 

Tsonyane, Mokhomma, Sese and Samane are some of the villages which host the route of the race, expected to take place from June 22 to 24. ENDS