01 Sep 2025

The inaugural Samora Machel Compatriot Marathon slated for September 27 is anticipated to revitalise Lobatse and ignite economic stimulation and social cohesion between Botswana and Mozambique.

Speaking during the marathon launch in Lobatse on August 30, a representative from the office of Lobatse Member of Parliament, Moamogedi Bathai said the marathon was a noble initiative which would celebrate the impact that the late first Mozambique president Samora Machel made as part of the town’s history.

He said Machel left footprints in the liberation struggle and his legacy was captured in the annuls of history of Lobatse where he had left rich heritage. He said the marathon was also anticipated to bring Lobatse alive with positive socio-economic impact.

As such he reassured the organisers that Lobatse MP Kamal Jacobs was committed to supporting such projects, adding that they would continue to offer assistance where need be. He further called for collaborations amongst key stakeholders for the success of the marathon.

For his part Lobatse Town mayor, Aron Ganakgomo appreciated the initiative saying it was another way of revitalising the town, which if executed diligently and sustainably it could turn Lobatse into an attractive tourism destination. 

Furthermore, he said the marathon could play a meaningful role in brand positioning of the town as the council aimed to attract both domestic and international tourists. The mayor also buttressed the need for the local community participation adding that it was important for them to rise to the occasion and come up with more initiatives that could revitalise Lobatse.

In an interview on the sidelines of the launch, Mashlow Motlogelwa from the business community, said it was important for the business community to rally behind the organising committee in order to make the event a success. 

He said developing sport, culture and heritage tourism was opportune highlighting that Lobatse was a town of many firsts adding that the marathon could unlock networks, and value chain opportunities, which would boost the town adding that it also provided an avenue for small medium and micro enterprises growth.

Lobatse resident, Solomon Diphoko, said hosting the marathon would improve social cohesion and regional integration as people from Mozambique and Botswana were expected to attend the marathon. He thus encouraged communities and different sporting clubs to register to participate.

The daughter of the late John Kgaboesele, Beauty Kgaboesele said Machel found safety in Botswana during the liberation struggle in the southern African region and stayed at the Kgaboesele family home where the Samora Machel Museum had been built by Botswana and Mozambique.

The home, she said helped to mask the presence of the FRELIMO cadres from ongoing surveillance by the British authorities who stayed there, adding that Machel stayed with them for three months in 1963 while he waited to get help from FRELIMO to get to Tanzania. 

At the time, she said the late Kgaboesele was a headman of Peleng and chairperson of Botswana Peoples Party for Lobatse branch and was passionate about the liberation struggle in the region. His home, she said, hosted a steady stream of southern African exiles. 

For his part, Samora Machel Compatriot Marathon event manager Letsweletse Moshabi said the marathon was held in honour of Machel, who was a Mozambican revolutionary leader and military commander and led the people of Mozambique in the struggle for independence from Portugal in 1975.  The event, he said, was conceptualised in 2023 by a Lobatse native, Tebogo Mothudi. 

The marathon, he said, was organised as part of Lobatse economic revitalisation through showcasing sport and cultural heritage sites with emphasis on the role that the town had played in the liberation struggle in the Southern African region.

After the marathon, there will be an intercultural festival on the same day, which will feature Botswana and Mozambique artistes followed by a donation to the less privileged and the needy on September 29 to celebrate the birthday of the late Machel who was born on September 29, 1933. ENDS