14 Jan 2021

Chobe MP, Mr Machana Shamukuni, has implored tour operators to work together to restore the safety reputation of the tourism industry.
Speaking in a consultative meeting with members of the Botswana Guides Association (BOGA) in Kasane on Tuesday, Mr Shamukuni said should incidents involving boats continue, Kasane could lose its value as a tourism destination.

He said the industry had an obligation to police itself and protect clientele from mishaps in the Chobe River and Riverfront.

He noted that government desired to restore the industry, following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and as such stakeholders should approach issues in unison to help the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism.

Mr Shamukuni said 2020 was considered a bad for the tourism industry and now with the 501.V2 COVID-19 variant, the year 2021 was likely to be worse, which therefore called for the industry to ensure full adherence to all protocols and regulations.

Furthermore, he said the industry should come up with solutions to challenges facing it.

Chairperson of BOGA, Mr Kenson Kgaga, noted that boat accidents in the Chobe River were a concern to the association, saying they had the potential to negatively affect the tourism industry, which was on the verge of collapse due to COVID-19.

Mr Kgaga said it was not time to point fingers, but for the stakeholders to work together to prevent recurrence.

A representative of Chobe Tour Operators, Mr Ali Mainga noted that post the boat incidents, operators in Chobe came together to establish the cause of the incidents and resolved that all boats should have life jackets at all times; operators should access the condition of the boats prior to embarking on a cruise, no overloading and alcohol should be allowed.

He expressed hope that with resolve to self-regulate in order to ensure that there was adherence to mitigation measures, no more incidents will occur.

Councillor Boitumelo Kanyetu noted that while he concurs that the industry was not ready for the local market demand, he suspects that some boats were not water worthy.

Cllr Kanyetu noted that just like vehicles, boats should be inspected for worthiness from time to time. He suggested that the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) should ensure that all guides and operators are qualified. He said inspection and servicing of boats prior to embarking on a cruise should not be done at the jetties.

Mr Mervyl Smarts noted that there was need for the industry to self-regulate and that operators should report any instances of overloading to the relevant authorities. He observed that the DWNP does not have enough capacity to regulate the boats, hence the need to self-regulate.

Mr Smarts expressed concern about the consumption of alcohol in boats since the introduction of local tourism, adding that “boat cruises have been turned into booze cruises”.

Commenting on the issues raised, Mr Shamukuni dismissed misconception that the industry was unprepared for the local market because the operators were the ones who crafted packages for it.

Mr Shamukuni called for professionalism among the guides and for them to prioritise safety, adding that local clients should be treated the same way as the internationals. He emphasized that the local market was the emerging backbone of the industry and has been sustaining the sector since last year’s independence holidays.

For her part, Chobe District Commissioner, Ms Sekgabo Makgosa thanked BOGA and the MP for the engagement, saying it will help bring solutions to the industry’s challenges. She called on the industry players to introspect, following the two boat incidents that claimed three lives.

The council chairperson, Cllr Amos Mabuku implored the guides and operators to work together during this COVID-19 era. ENDS