13 Sep 2020

Only 304 out of 528 Freelance Tourist Operators who registered for the subsidy since the announcement of registration late July have already benefitted from the P2.3 million wage subsidy set aside to cushion them from the effects of COVID-19.

This was revealed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism Dr Oduetse Koboto when giving an update on the wage subsidy for freelance tourist operators on Saturday.

Dr Koboto explained that the subsidy had benefitted among others mokoro polers, community guides and chefs who were getting P1 000 per month.

He said freelance tourist operators could not benefit from the government wage subsidy during the first lockdown in April as most of them were independent and did not have employers.

He indicated that a thorough assessment and vetting was done to select those who qualified for the subsidy and encouraged those who were still left behind to register with Botswana Guides Association (BOGA) which is currently coordinating the registration process.

He also cautioned Batswana to desist from claiming the wage subsidy unlawfully.

Dr Koboto said, in addition, the Federal Republic of Germany through KAZA TFCA had availed funds amounting to P16 million to augment the wage subsidy as well as assist to compensate Community Based Organizations (CBO). He said through the funds, CBOs would be able to run their services as well as develop the protected areas. Furthermore, Dr Koboto said part of the money would be used to support law enforcement agencies at the protected areas as well as help in infrastructure development. ENDS