21 Mar 2024

The Trans Kalahari Corridor Management Committee has set aside P1.4 million for the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC) cycling event. 

The 15-day cycling event, which will attract cyclists from South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, will start on April 15 in Pretoria passing through Botswana to Walvis Bay, Namibia. 

According to TKC secretariat’s marketing and communications executive Odirile Hunda, the funds were for accommodation, food and the other necessary accessories. 

Hunda also noted that the total budget could reach P2 million due to the large scale and scope of the event. 

She said the amount was a reflection of the importance of the cycling event to the TKC and its management committee. 

Hunda said communities living along the TKC route were set to benefit from the budget. 

“The event will provide a range of opportunities for local residents,” she added. 

She explained that these include direct economic benefits such as jobs and business opportunities, as well as indirect benefits such as increased awareness of the TKC and its benefits to the community with proper planning and coordination. 

She noted that the event could be a catalyst for positive change in the communities along the TKC route. 

“It could bring about long-term benefits such as improved infrastructure, increased tourism and a stronger local economy,” she said.

Also, the event she said had the potential to improve the quality of life for local residents by bringing in the much-needed resources and opportunities. 

She added that with the right support and planning, the cycling event could be a transformative force for the communities it touches. 

TKC secretariat event has expressed concern about the lack of available accommodation in Sekoma. They were initially looking for 60 rooms, but the guest houses in Sekoma can only accommodate 15 people. 

Hunda said this had forced the secretariat to scale down their plans for the event, which could limit the number of people who could participate and benefit from it. 

“We are worried that this will prevent some communities from taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the event,” she added. 

In addition to Sekoma, the secretariat also expressed concern about a lack of suitable accommodation in Tsootsha (Kalkfotein) and Metsematlala. Tsootsha only has one guest house and Metsematlala is not a settlement but a long stretch of land between Kang and the 44 junction. 

Hunda has encouraged Batswana to take advantage of these opportunities by providing camping equipment or other resources. 

By so doing, communities can maximise the benefits of the TKC event. 

In addition to accommodation benefits, she said the cycling event would enhance visibility and promotion of the local culture and history as well as the increased awareness in local issues such as environmental conservation and sustainability. 

“The will also be increased employment opportunities during and after the event as well as improved health and fitness through active participation in the event,” she said. ENDS