18 Apr 2022

Fitness and nature enthusiasts here gathered Saturday morning for the inaugural Thamalakane River Walk.

The walk started at Rileys Bridge, and proceeded north-eastward towards Maun’s old Bridge at Matapana ward and back to the starting point, covering a total distance of 20 kilometres.

Giving a brief of the walk, founder Ms Ontitile Zimona said it was intended to raise awareness on the importance of preserving the river and maintaining its ecosystem.

The walk also aimed to further promote tourism in the Ngami region as Thamalakane River was geographically located in Maun, the gateway to Okavango Delta, she said. To that end, there would be a cleanup campaign along the river, subsequent to the walk, she said.

She noted that it was worrying to see a lot of pollution around the Thamalakane, which she said endangered the entire river ecosystem.

Ms Zimona stated the walk was further intended to promote good health and enhance participants’ fitness. It also afforded individuals and companies opportunity to network.

Ms Zimona indicated that funds raised from the walk would go towards charity.

Guiding the walk, professional guide Mr Tumelo Mokibelo said it was imperative to always vigilant around the river as danger lurked at every turn.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining balance of the ecosystem, especially by avoiding pollution around the river. He warned people to avoid tampering with vegetation along the river as some of the plants may be poisonous to humans. ENDS