27 Jun 2023

The local business community has benefited economically from the three-day Toyota 1 000km Desert Race held in Jwaneng over the weekend.

Entrepreneurs provided different products and services such as camel rides, firewood, camping services, hospitality, photography and many others.

On his Facebook page, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi highlighted that the businesses significantly contributed to the local economy.

President Masisi said in the BDP 2019 manifesto, the party  promised to make Botswana a meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism hub, adding that they continued to work towards delivering on the promise.

“It is good to see Batswana taking the opportunity to show off their entrepreneurial prowess and taking advantage of the platform,” the President said. In an interview, Tsabong ecotourism camel park head guide, Mr Letsogile Raseatla expressed happiness that the event was back in the country.

He said they were providing their services for the second time at the desert race and this year’s edition brought them more customers than the previous one since people came in large numbers.

Mr Raseatla highlighted that the event was a great opportunity for them to also teach Batswana about camels. “There is more to camels than rides. We believe Batswana have to understand more about them including health benefits of their milk,” he said.

He added that some spectators were also excited to see camels and riding them for the first time. 

He urged Batswana to visit their park in Tsabong to learn more about camels and enjoy their varied services.

For Mr Lepsy Rapaila from Beef & Grills the event significantly boosted their income, considering that they managed to make profit which they normally made in about a week in just one day.

Mr Rapaila was of the view that if the event was held several times in a year, most businesses, including small ones, would flourish.

A number of farm owners around Jwaneng who also provided camping space highlighted that the event gave them an idea to establish long term businesses, particularly that they desired to continue providing their services all year round, not only during the desert race. 

They remained hopeful that they would, one day, keep wild animals in their farms so that spectators could also enjoy game drives. ENDs