29 Jul 2018

Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development Thapelo Olopeng has pledged his support to the Annual Desert Bushwalk which was held in Jwaneng on July 28.

Speaking after successfully completing a 30km walk in a sandy and bush terrain, Olopeng who was the chief walker hailed the walk as an immense effort to fight non- communicable diseases as well as raise funds for a good cause.

Olopeng who joined some other 2 700 walkers in this year’s fourth edition noted that he would lure other ministers to support the walk.

He said he would consult with the Minister of Tourism and Wildlife, Minister of Basic Education, Botswana Tourism Organisation and other stakeholders to throw their weight behind the walk.

“We are going to grow this walk to another level because we have seen its mandate and vision. The government through the Ministry of Basic Education has already benefited from the proceeds of the walk since its inception,”  he explained.

He further noted that the walk was ‘quite fun and challenging’ at the same time but emphasised that it was for a good cause.

Another chief walker, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Alfred Madigele also commended the Desert Bushwalk organisers for successfully hosting an event that attracted participants from neighbouring countries.

He said Botswana was faced with an epidemic of non-communicable diseases and the walk came handy to fight such.

“I also pledge my support for this initiative. Walkers should also note that they have to pay attention to nutrition and review their diet to live a healthy life,” he said.

The pioneer and event organiser Archibald Ngakayagae explained in an interview that the aim of the walk was to raise funds for the less privileged with more focus on sustainable education projects. ENDS