14 Dec 2020

Three youths jointly operating Enkosi Camp Site and Gardens in Gamodubu have been hailed for their economic diversification and employment creation efforts. 

Speaking in an interview following a cabinet meeting held at the facility yesterday, Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism Ms Philda Kereng said the level of dedication and enthusiasm showed by the youths was impressive. 

She described their agro-tourism venture as a clear indication that Batswana were taking advantage of government initiatives aimed at improving their lives. 

Reiterating government’s commitment to building a conducive environment for business sustainability, the minister noted that the Land Policy had been amended to allow part of arable land to be used for tourism purposes.

She said Enkosi Camp Site and Gardens, situated along Gaborone -Molepolole Road, offered a good relaxing environment while at the same time promoting food production. 

Ms Kereng called on Batswana to desist from selling land but to instead lease it to young people.

The trio of two brothers, Messrs Bonyankosi and Nkosinathi Gwatiwa and Ivy, the former’s  wife, offers a variety of services on land which initially belonged to their parents. 

Mr Bonyankosi Gwatiwa said the project commenced in 2018 and while they still kept the arable farming tradition, producing maize and water melons, they expanded into tourism by developing a campsite with plans for a restaurant and a bar. 

The facility also boasts of a mango and avocado orchard.

In addition, there is a swimming pool on the premises and according to Mr Gwatiwa, children’s playing equipment had been ordered to make it conducive for family outings. 

The trio’s vision is to add cattle and an educational facility for children to the accommodation, site for various activities and corporate events services already on offer. 

Although impacted negatively by COVID-19 protocols, business had so far been promising, he said. Mr Gwatiwa said they used personal finances and loans to develop the project but might in future use government schemes. 

On challenges, he mentioned  difficulties in getting a licence for their accommodation facility as the requirements were similar to those for hotels. 

Their accommodation facility  was different as it was meant to offer an open kitchen that resonated with the environment., he said. Ends