18 Aug 2019

The Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane has implored Batswana to assume key role in the tourism sector.

Addressing kgotla meeting at Khumaga on August 16, the Vice President who is also Boteti West MP voted that Batswana have not been able to explore and benefit efficiently from tourism sector as expected.

The vice President stressed that Batswana should not be seen as silent players in tourism, but should be at the forefront, and be key players.

Government he said, was reviewing policies to ensure that Batswana benefit as the main stakeholders in tourism.

He stated that government’s effort to revive Community Based Natural Resources Management policy, (CBNRM) would result in an act that would empower communities to make profit in the tourism sector.

Mr Tsogwane said leases should be allocated in a manner that would enable Batswana to be the main stakeholders in the tourism sector.

“All natural resources should benefit Batswana, and also be seen at the lead of diamond mining companies as much as those producing diamond ornaments and jewellery.”

In addition, the area MP said the President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi had taken the decision to combat corruption and tax evasion.

Mr Tsogwane said the rule of law should be respected and should apply to all, regardless of a person’s designation or position in the society.

He said awarding of tenders should be done in accordance with the law. 

Boteti West MP said people should create wealth in a proper manner and should avoid adopting corrupt practices in an effort to empower themselves.

“I have established a trust aimed at assisting Boteti residents pertaining farming activities, the trust already has two tractors and each would be allocated to farmers on the southern part and northern part of Boteti West.”

He said Botswana conducted a benchmarking exercise in Kenya, on installation of fence on the riverbed, and added that arrangements were being made to acquire the necessary equipment.

Mr Tsogwane stated that cement poles would be used for installing the game proof fence in a manner that would allow both the community and the park to have access to the river as it meanders.

For his part the Village Development Committee Chairperson Mr Eric Boitatotswe reported that five kgotla shelters had been completed in the village and destitute houses were also under construction.

He requested an update with regards to land allocation in Khumaga.

One of the residents Ms Bashai Boitatotswe appreciated the government decision on the game proof fence as it would benefit the community.

Ms Boitatotswe, a small scale entrepreneur however complained that public schools in their area bought bread from them at low prices.

On another issue she suggested that government should have guidelines that regulate investors in their locality concerning corporate social investment issues adding that some of them are not of benefit to the community.  ENDS