23 Oct 2023

Government values its partnerships with the private sector,  President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has said.

Speaking at the handing over  of minibuses to ferry pupils and community members across elephant corridors in Seronga on October 22, the President said the three minibuses were donated by private organisations such as Natural Selection, Eco-Exist, Half-Way Toyota and Uncharted Africa.

He said the buses  would reduce human-wildlife conflicts by ensuring the safety of pupils and community members who crossed elephant corridors when going to school and other places.

He said the gesture would also cultivate the spirit of co-existence and conservation among children.

The President said the mitigation strategy, which was known as the Elephant Express project, was spearheaded by private companies that were investing back in communities they operated in.

He added that government firmly believed in a private sector led economy.

Minister of Environment and Tourism, Ms Philda Kereng thanked Natural Selection and its partners for the project, saying that through the donation private companies were demonstrating compassion ,which was in line with Vision 2036 ideals.

Okavango Member of Parliament, Mr Kenny Kapinga said the minibuses helped children and other community members. 

He urged private organisations and community trusts to embark on projects that would impact communities.

Giving the project background, Mr Ohitiseng Mosupi said Eco-Exist had been operating in the Okavango area for about 10 years, and that its objective was to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, especially those involving elephants.

He noted that the eastern side of Okavango had about 18 000 people and roughly the same number of elephants.

Mr Mosupi said the minibuses would assist community members to travel safely, especially in the mornings and evenings, when elephant movement was high. Ends