20 Nov 2023

With just ten days remaining until Kasane lights up for the 18^th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) hosted by UNESCO, the responsibility falls upon the residents of Chobe to make their presence known.

 During a consultative meeting with the Chobe District leadership and the business community, MP for Chobe also Minister of Defence, Mr Machana Shamukuni, said government chose Chobe as the venue for the conference because they had faith in the people of Chobe to ensure its success.

  He stated that international events provided an opportunity for locals to showcase their indigenous culture, food, norms, and lifestyle. It is a standard practice worldwide that when an event is hosted in a particular town or city, the local food and culture showcase take center stage, the MP said.

   Mr Shamukuni called upon Chobe fishermen to supply hotels and restaurants with the famous Chobe bream. 

 Tourism and safari operators involved in game drives and boat cruises were also encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity and partner with the local organising committee (LOC) by submitting their proposals and business data.

“With 800 delegates attending the event, there are numerous opportunities to explore. One just needs to identify where they can fit in the value chain,” Mr. Shamukuni added.

 He further emphasized the pride of the Chobe people in the Seperu folk dance, encouraging cultural groups to showcase it extensively and demonstrate why it was listed by UNESCO.

 The minister highlighted the importance of community involvement in planning and hosting events, as it provided ample knowledge about the history and culture of a place. 

 He urged the LOC, district leadership, business community, and people of Chobe to work together as a team, as the eyes of the world will be on them.

   Ms Emmah Peloetletse, Permanent Secretary to the President, stressed the significance of mobilising the entire Chobe District to reap the benefits of hosting an international event. 

 She stated that the conference focused on Kasane and surrounding villages to deliver a flawless session that would encourage delegates to revisit with their loved ones once after the event.

“Do not disappoint Chobe and our beloved country Botswana. Show up and shine, as you are doing this with pride for our beautiful nation,” said Ms Peloetletse.

 She mentioned that in order to achieve high-income status by 2036, Botswana was committed to diversifying its economy and reducing its reliance on diamonds through the National Transformation Strategy. 

The strategy highlights the tourism sector as a potential driver of the economy, which is why Botswana developed the Meetings, Incentives, Conference, and Exhibition (MICE) Strategy to maximise the benefits from the tourism value chains. Ends