04 Jun 2023

South African Railways Sports and Cultural Organisation (SARSCO) games provide an opportunity to reflect upon the importance of railways relations and collaborations that underpin their success.

Furthermore, these relations are essential because they serve as a backbone of regional connectivity.

The games attracted officials and participants from five SARA members namely: Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique.

Speaking at the SARSCO games in Palapye on Friday, deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, Dr Obolokile Obakeng stated that the games were not only meant to celebrate the spirit of competition, but also to strengthen the bonds uniting nations through railways trade.

He stressed that railways held a significant place in the history and development of nations.

“They have been instrumental in facilitating trade, connecting people and cultures as well as fostering economic growth” he added.

Obakeng emphasised that in a world that was increasingly interconnected, collaborations were key in unlocking innovative solutions and achieving sustainable development by working together to enhance safety standards, improve operational efficiency as well as ensuring seamless follow of goods and services across the borders.

He said these efforts did not only benefit countries but also contributed to the growth and prosperity of the entire region.

“Let us embrace these games as a celebration of our past achievements and as an inspiration for future collaborations.  

May the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship guide us and may these game foster lasting bonds that transact boarders and strengthen the Railways relations in our region,” Obakeng said.

South African Railways Association (SARA) executive director, Babe Botana, said the SARSCO games were held every two years and Botswana Railways (BR) hosted the games three times in succession.

Botana highlighted that for the first time in the history of these games, they saw a good number of representation from different SARA members.

Additionally, he said the purpose of these games was to cement the bond and relationships that already existed amongst nations, but more importantly to bring personal touch to the whole operating environment by ensuring that they met and discussed at personal level.

Mmoloki Ramaeba, who is the BR board chairperson extended heartfelt appreciation to all the participants, officials, volunteers and organisers who worked tirelessly to make the day a success.He further acknowledged governments of SARA members and railways administrators for their unwavering support towards making the day possible.

“These games serve as a platform for us to celebrate our shared heritage and reinforce the importance of collaborations.

As athletes from various nations come together to compete, it symbolizes unity and harmony that can only be achieved through collective endeavours” he noted.

Ramaeba highlighted that the importance of these games could not be over emphasised, that they were meant to unify and leverage on nations’ good working relations.

He said the SARSCO games were a testament of their commitment to build stronger relations as strategic partners, furthermore, leveraging on these nations was important as they shared ideas to better the Railways industry.

The games were sponsored by Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC), BR Properties, Brave Heart, Civil Aviation Authority Botswana (CAA) and Morupule Coal Mine. ENDS