08 Dec 2019

Some European Union (EU) ambassadors recently toured Nhabe Museum in Maun.

The purpose of the tour was for the ambassadors to appreciate the developments implemented through financial assistance from EU, which injected P1 million towards the construction of some structures, which would be leased to clients to help raise funds for the museum.

The structures, which include an auditorium, coffee shop, ablutions as well as an art studio, will help to create visibility for the museum and to attract artists to showcase their historic artifacts at the museum. 

When welcoming the delegation, museum director, Salani Gambule explained that the funding had been put to good use as all the facilities were successfully completed and were operational.

The development, he said had enhanced the image of the museum,.

The art studio, he said had accommodated craft artists from Okavango Artist Association and Poetavango Spoken Word to display their products.

Further, he said the museum needed more funding to make it more habitable. It was reported that the old building, which was used as the first shop in Maun, was donated by the Bailey family, who have since relocated to Mahalapye.

Gambule described the building as a monument and stated that they wanted to keep it as it was but it needs to be maintained. He said the museum had also enjoyed great support from the US Embassy, which injected some funding into the museum. 

The funding, he said, helped to train some members of the community as they wanted them to produce quality. Gambule pointed out that Ngamiland was known for baskets and they had realised there were other unique products, which were made from ostrich shells in Tsodilo that could add to the supplies of the museum. 

In addition, he stated that they intended to request safari companies to bring their clients to the museum before taking them to the Okavango Delta.

Other financial support, he said,  came from The Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), aimed at constructing craft facilities that would cater for artisans and buyers, especially tourists.

Leader of the delegation, Jan Sadek said he was impressed to learn that the funding had been directed to the intended projects to benefit the community. He was also thankful to learn about the rich history of the museum and how it relates with the community and other stakeholders. ends