Neighbouring countries show interest in desert bush walk

Lebogang Baingapi | Thursday August 4, 2016 14:05

 

In 2014, the walk was only 25km, but this year the organisers divided it into two categories, being the 10km and 30km.

Archibald Ngakayagae, one of the founding members of the walk, said they also managed to register the CSI project foundation trust and the donors and sponsors can be assured that their funds are safe.

Ngakayagae, who pioneered the project with Army Benson, said they were happy to have exceeded their target of over 1,000 participants and he is elated that they have reached their target of raising P150,000.

This year the project also attracted more sponsors both in monetary terms and in-kind, such as the lodges, which gave participants discounted prices.

The aim of the walk was to raise funds for the less privileged with more focus on sustainable education projects.  Ngakayagae said in 2014 the aim was to do the walk once but due to overwhelming response from participants, sponsors and beneficiaries they decided to have another one this year.

“Proceeds from 2014 walk went towards building a creative learning centre in Sese village and a mobile library. This walk also aims at promoting Jwaneng as a tourism destination for both local and international tourists under the cultural sport and tourism portfolio,” he explained.

Botswana Savings Bank (BSB) chief executive officer Boikhutso Tekane said they were delighted to be part of the growing movement of charity. He said they saw it fit to sow a seed of more than P44,000 towards a good cause that will change the lives of underprivileged children.

Keitumetse Setlang of Botswana Tourism Organisation also described the walk as a noble effort to diversify the economy.

“We support what the private sector is doing to help the government diversify the economy which is heavily dependant on diamonds. We are particularly excited about this event because it brought visitors into our country,” she said.

One of the inaugural sponsors Stanbic Bank also came on board this year with P25,000 sponsorship and their spokesperson Ruth Modisane said their key focus is financial literacy and they were honoured to continue supporting charity.

One of the walkers from South Africa’s Ditsamayanaga Group, Barrel Mogotsi said he was also happy to be one the participants. He added that the event was well-organised and that they have developed a relationship with the Desert Bush walk organisers. He pledged their would annually support the event.

Benjamin Magosi, who walked 25km in 2014 said he chose to do 30km this year. He said he enjoyed the walk because it was not only for fundraising, but also a health exercise.