09 May 2023

Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) has pledged a three-year partnership deal with Maun media houses towards the annual World Press Freedom Day commemoration.

HATAB vice chairperson, Mr Lempheditse Odumetse made the remarks during the World Press Day commemoration organised by Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom and pay tribute to journalists who lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

Mr Odumetse acknowledged that the media played a critical role by reporting news that empowered the society on the role of the hospitality and tourism industry in the country.

He said HATAB remained committed to supporting and promoting the freedom and independence of the media when working on hospitality and tourism issues.

“As the association, we value your essential service within the industry. Your work speaks huge volumes and this is affirmed by the massive coverage we received during our recent 2023 HATAB conference held at Maun Lodge,” he added.

Mr Odumetse revealed that when MISA knocked on their door to seek support towards the press freedom celebration, they could not hesitate to assist because they regarded the media as a key stakeholder in promoting the tourism industry.

He said he believed that the partnership would go a long as the association strived to bring members of the press closer to its membership.

“We promise to be the main sponsor of MISA activities for a period of three years and I call other stakeholders to stand together and let the press be free,” he added.

Media practitioners were also advised to continue to be courageous, fearless and favour no one as they continue to inform, educate and entertain the public with relevant information.

North West District commissioner, Mr Thabang Waloka also applauded the media for remaining focused, firm and fearless despite difficult situations and challenges in their work.

He noted that in North West region, media personnel worked in a field that exposed their life to danger as the area was infested with wild animals.

Mr Waloka however, appreciated that they risked their lives to provide an essential service to the public.

The press, he said, continued to report on important developments without fear, despite the risky situation.

“Our journalists traverse the Okavango Delta, game reserves and national parks and other dangerous areas in pursuit of information that can change the lives of Batswana “I commend them for displaying such bravery,” he added.

Mr Waloka further assured the press of the district leadership’s support, saying they were augmenting government efforts to convey important and timely messages geared to improve the livelihoods of the communities.

The press, he said, was the foundation of democracy and justice of any country and appreciated that in Botswana there was peace and stability as the press and the government worked harmoniously in promoting democracy and national development.

He urged all media houses and platforms to exercise diligence and professionalism, while calling for access to information for better and progressive society.

One of the journalists, Mr Boniface Keakabetse from Okavango Express thanked MISA for organising the commemoration in areas such as Maun to give the journalists a platform to interact with and share their concerns with stakeholders.

He appealed to stakeholders to avail information to them so that they could inform and educate the public professionally and responsibly. Ends