18 Apr 2023

Preparations are underway for Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust (OKMCT)’s silver jubilee.

The celebration is slated for June 30 at the trust’s office situated at Boronyane ward in Maun.

Operating since 1997, the trust is meant to promote sustainable utilisation of natural resources through direct participation of communities in managing the environment, wildlife and plant species abundant in their vicinity.

The trust general manager, Mr Seikaneng Moepedi confirmed the big celebration in an interview, revealing that they had decided to combine it with the official opening of the trust’s new office.

Mr Moepedi said they offered tourism products and services in a controlled hunting area known as NG32 situated right in the heart of the Okavango Delta such as affordable trips to allow more people to enjoy the delta and also created job opportunities in disadvantaged and economically impoverished rural areas.

“Our purpose had been very clear from the beginning as we aimed to promote conservation and focus on rural development,” he added.

Mr Moepedi said the trust had benefited its communities as many had adapted to using the natural resources for sustainable livelihoods and they were proud to have achieved their mandate.

He noted that the trust was undertaking mokoro trails in the concession area to ensure that tourism generates income that directly benefits the rural communities, adding that they had created employment for over 200 members of the community from Boro, Xharaxao, Xuoxao, Daunara and Xaxaba.

The trust also operates six campsites. Mr Moepedi said their other achievements included drilling and equipping of boreholes in all villages to provide potable water to the communities; housing of elders, constructing playgrounds and offering sponsorship to some youths to pursue tertiary education, among others.

Over 100 youths, he said, had benefited from the sponsorship fund and were all absorbed in the camps working as guides, chefs, and housekeepers, among others.

He said the celebration would be spiced with story-telling on the history of the trust, traditional choirs, adding that they had also invited one of local artistes, who is also the master of folk music, Molefi Monageng, aka ‘Stigger Sola’ in the music circles.

He said the founders of the trust would also be appreciated for the contribution.

He said they had come up with the ‘Tapyowa NG32 experience,’ a local tourism product meant to expose Batswana to the delta using a traditional canoes to be held on July 2023 at Boro station.

Mr Moepedi said they plan to make it an annual event open to the public to participate and also target tourists who want to experience the beauty of the famous Okavango Delta. ENDS