BOTASH Blesses Khama Rhino With Vehicles

Bonte Seepi | Monday September 5, 2016 16:30

KRST chairman, Bathusi Letlhare applauded BOTASH for the donation saying they do not make much profits hence, depend on donations.  Letlhare said when KRST started the main aim was to conserve wild life species and to teach children about natural resourses.

He said since Khama Rhino was established by mostly chiefs, they wish to continue their legacy. He said they employ people within the surrounding areas of the sanctuary and currently have more than 50 employees.

“The little that we get from tourists, we pay our employees and buy other sanctuary needs. The money is not even enough to cover everything that is why we continue begging from companies. We applaud BOTASH for the donations and wish for long lasting relationship with them,” said Letlhare. The chairman also revealed that the donations would further help in conservation of animals, as they shall be used to patrol the park as well as help tourists who come to tour the sanctuary.

In his remarks, BOTASH managing director, Montwedi Mphathi said the donation was the beginning of a long relationship that is yet to come between them and KRST. He said they had long communicated about how they could nurture the relationship and found it suitable to do so by donating something tangible.

According to Mphathi, BOTASH also wish to start a wildlife park in Sua Pan to bring back animal species, which were in the area.  “BOTASH is located in a very beautiful area which had many animals species before they got poached, so we wish to also establish a park so that we can bring back those animals and conserve them like Khama Rhino.Through the donation of cars we wanted to strengthen our relationship and show that we support what they are doing to our animals,”he said.

Mphathi applauded KRST for conserving wild animals especially rhinos. He said animals are in peace in the area adding that such animals are the country’s economic boost through tourism.

He said if it was cattle, the area could be eroded. However, he said it was not like he is against cattle rearing, but trying to promote the thriving tourism sector in the country.

“We have to step forwad and focus on tourism. Even when we start our own park, we will emphasise more on tourism because a park would bring more tourism opportunities. Even lodges will be built in the area hence developments,” he said.

He further said since KRST has attracted many tourists into the country, they expect it to grow into a proper commercial park, which won’t depend on donations. He however encouraged the nation to bring children to the santuary to view the different wildlife species. Mphathi also assured Batswana that BOTASH is still strong and will go on for generations since there is plenty of salt and soda ash.

The district commissioner for Central District, Thobo Letlhage also applauded BOTASH for their good incentive saying for every networking or relationship to flourish there must be tangible activities that can be seen. She said efforts made by BOTASH are recognisible and that their donation shall contribute positively to the development of the sanctuary, which is commnunity based.