22 May 2025

The Khawa Dune Challenge and Cultural Festival which will be managed and hosted by Incepta Communications company for the next three years, from 2025 to 2027 promises to be more rewarding.

 This followed a decision by Botswana Tourism Oraganisation (BTO) to hive off the event to the private sector and specialised sports codes, with a tender floated to that effect.

The event which was initially set for May was postponed to June 27 to June 29 hence the need to adjust the event’s schedule.

 Tsabong District Council chairman Elias Motlhanke announced during the ongoing council meeting, and acknowledged the vital role of the BTO and the festival.

The postponement, he said, was attributed to unforeseen circumstances that inhibited BTO, its partners, and stakeholders from proceeding with the originally scheduled dates.

Since its inception in 2012, the festival had demonstrably benefited the Khawa community by providing income-generating opportunities for residents through cultural performances, food and craft stalls, and local service providers, he said.

He further assured the council that this adjustment would allow for adequate time to effectively manage logistical preparation and coordinate with key stakeholders to ensure a smooth and successful event in June.

Turning to the realm of youth, gender, sports, and arts, Motlhanke addressed the recent rationalisation of ministries, which saw the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture split into two Ministries. Ministry  of Art and Sport is now in transition period with staff being rationalised to align with the new structures, he said.

He acknowledged that the exercise has led to delayed programming and affected the movements of staff across various established Ministries and departments, causing some uncertainty for both staff and clients and impacting smooth service delivery.

Despite these transitional challenges, he highlighted a significant positive development in youth leadership. 

“On a positive note, the District is blessed to have one of its own young women named Oabona Jacobs being nominated by the Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs to the position of board member for the Botswana National Youth Council,” the chairman announced with pride.

This appointment at the national level was seen as an opportunity to have the voices of young people advanced, he said.

He further explained that Jacobs had already assumed some responsibilities, including attending the United Nations Economic and Social Council Youth Forum in New York in April where she was an active participant, debater, and panellist in discussions.

Motlhanke described her as “a marvel to engage with” and urged all departments to fully support her in undertaking her duties and responsibilities, emphasising that she would put the district on the map in matters of youth advocacy and empowerment. ENDS