26 Jun 2025

The annual Nkashi Classic (mokoro race) finals are billed for Mbiroba Camp in Seronga village on July 5.

A press release from Nkashi Trust, says the annual race that promotes use of mokoro (canoe) and Okavango Delta’s natural heritage will see polers contest for titles in seven coveted categories. 

“The highly anticipated event attracts people and polers from across Okavango and beyond to showcase skills, determination, and dedication to be crowned Okavango Delta’s Fastest Poler.”

A total of 60 polers represening 15 villages around the Okavango Delta would race against time to determine the fastest poler in each category of youth male and female  attracting 18-30 year-old,  male and female will attract 31-54 year-old, while man and women aged 55 years and over will  compete in veteran ctegories. Mixed double consisting of two polers, one male, one female both aged 18 and over will complete the categories. 

Top three winners in each category would be awarded P10 000 prize money, P5 000 and P2 500 prize money for positions two to three respectively which would amount to P122 500 across all categories. As a way to celebrate the cultural diversity, this year event would feature legendary traditional dance groups from Okavango Eastern Panhandle villages, with fan favourite Mista-Tee hosting.  Nkashi Trust would also display their Okavango Delta projects that include Nkashi Bus, virtual reality (VR) experiences, science experiments and conservation education. ENDS