07 Jul 2025

Kgosi Maeze Maeze of Seronga hailed this year’s Nkashi Classic for promoting mokoro as an integral part of the people of Okavango since they used it for transport, and used it for hunting and gathering in the yesteryears.

He appreciated Nkashi Trust for recognising its importance and appealed to the youth to protect Okavango natural resources. He said this at Mbiroba Camp in Seronga, which came to life on July 5 as multitudes thronged the quiet village to witness the crowning of the fastest poler in Okavango, as the Nkashi Classic 2025 came to an end.

The annual race organised by Nkashi Trust promote the use of mokoro and preservation of cultural heritage, and the event lived to expectation as about 60 polers from different villages around the Okavango Delta took part in the highly competitive race.

Nkashi Trust general manager, Chilie Motshusi said that the race which had seven categories that included, youth and veterans, went well. Youth participation in the Nkashi Classic was heartwarming since it would ensure the promotion of cultural heritage, not only of the Okavango where mokoro is famous, but its significant in Botswana, Motshusi said. The event has other benefits besides its ability to preserve culture, there is also a cash prize, it is a platform for traditional groups to showcase talent and small businesses to monetie.

Nkashi Classic youth male category champion, 27 year-old Lasty Kedisa of Boro expressed gratitude to the trust for recognising that culture was one way for people to earn a living. Having won in the category for three consecutive years, Kedisa  said he was mentored by his family at a young age. He said his family had always been supportive of his participation in the Nkashi Classic and that the money he won from the competition helped meet some needs.      

The youth male category runner ups are, Masasa Mokoya and Galethope Samaemo in positions two and three respectively.Kewame Kesietswe emerged the youth female category winner seconded by Lesedi Mafoko and Catherine Mosupa in position two and three.

The female veteran category, Tshegofatso Kesenolotse took position one followed by Modirootsile Mafoko and Lookame Sambire in position two and three. An elder Lookame Sambire who won position three in the female veteran category commended Nkashi Classic saying, her wish was to pass her skills to her children.

The male veteran category winner went to Olositswe Kagiso followed by Maitiyo Setshego and Mahupe Botsang in position two and three. Winners in position one to three were awarded P10 000, P5000 and P2500 monetary prizes respectively. ENDS