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09 Mar 2023

The new documentary film, Nkashi: Race for the Okavango, has touched international shores thereby elevating creators and players involved in its production.

In an interview, one of the stars featured in the film, Gobonamang ‘GB’ Kgetho, who is a dugout canoe or mokoro poler, said the motion picture had become his backbone especially after losing his father in 2021 when production was on.

He said for him to be able to share knowledge and experience about the Okavango Delta with the world ignited a sense of pride in him and the rest of the people in the Okavango Delta.

Having been declared a National Geographic explorer, Kgetho said he intended to expand his knowledge, not just on being a poler, but as an ambassador of Botswana’s flora and fauna.

He explained that having been raised in Seronga made him appreciate natural resources as he was able to coexist with wildlife through education from Botswana World Bird Trust.

The poler stated that the Okavango Delta was significant to his life having been born and raised in Seronga

“Our forefathers preserved the Okavango Delta so that we would enjoy it as it is and now it is upon us to do the same by protecting it for future generations likewise.’’

Kgetho said ever since the promotion of Nkashi film on media platforms, people approached him for knowledge sharing while some expressed how much they wanted to go on a mokoro ride with him.

“I am honoured to have worked with National Geographic on this film and I believe it will open many doors and opportunities for me.’’

Speaking at a press screening on Tuesday, National Geographic explorer and producer of Nkashi: Race for Okavango, Thalefang Charles, said many stories of the Okavango Delta had been produced but missed to capture the human element of day to day lives of people of the delta.

This, he said, provoked him as a storyteller with 16 years’ experience in journalism to relay a story that incorporated people of Okavango as a way to also help protect the natural resources.

“There are many stories in the Okavango Delta yet to be unearthed and told, therefore we need more Batswana filmmakers to be part of this. I also acknowledge the need for support and funds but most importantly we need passion.’’

Charles said this project opened his eyes extensively having learnt a lot from knowledgeable veterans who yielded indigenous knowledge that had been transferred from generations to generations.

He said being a National Geographic explorer was an opportunity that he treasured.

‘“It has always been my dream and passion to tell a Botswana story and I am thankful that I am an explorer who has a platform to express my creativity.’’ ENDS