Sankoyo forges partnerships to diversify revenues
Boniface Keakabetse | Wednesday January 25, 2017 16:37
STMT manager, Galesenngwe Haku explained that they are introducing new activities in their concessions to boost their revenue streams.
In 1996, STMT signed on to community natural resources programme focusing on hunting. However, in 2014 government stopped trophy hunting and instructed all entities like STMT, which generated millions of pula from the industry to switch to photographic tourism. But converting to photographic tourism has been an uphill battle for Sankoyo trust. “Our coffers have dried up. We are undertaking a diversification of our products offering. For us to survive we have to think outside the box,” Haku said.
He explained that they are eyeing new partnerships in the hope they would boost their coffers. He revealed that they have entered into photographic partnerships for the utilisation of their two concessions, NG 33 and NG 34 with various tour operators.
Haku said in NG 33 they partnered with Wilderness Safaris for operations of Santawani Camp and Gomoti tented camps. He further explained that for profitable utilisation of NG 34, they decided to subdivide the concession into high and low value zones. He said at high value zone, Smart Stones Tourism Company was awarded a tender to build a lodge in the area and will pay STMT lease rentals. He added that another outfit, Inkunzi, was awarded the medium zone of NG 34 to build a 24-bed camp. It was also revealed that the trust has leased 20 beds to local operator Tamok Tours at Kaziikini campsite also situated in NG 34 middle zone.
He explained that the trust would still operate the remaining 36 beds of the campsite. Haku stated that they would soon commence renovations of the Shandereka cultural centre. The renovation entails reconstruction of seven huts, traditional kraal and storage facilities. Haku said the cultural village, which is located opposite Kaziikini, was closed down in September for renovations and is expected to reopen in April.
They are also introducing boating activities and temporary camping sites in their concession as add up activities to diversify their product. Haku however complained about the delay in the finalisation of leases by the Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services. He said this has delayed payment of lease fees by tour operators in their concession areas.