Study aims to stem racism from tourism

MPHO TLALE
Correspondent | Friday June 11, 2010 00:00

This study will follow a consultative workshop between UB and stakeholders in the tourism industry that is taking place in Maun today to address dissatisfaction in the tourism sector.

Among other things, the study will explore how helpful or harmful tourism activities are to Botswana. The findings of a 2001 also conducted by the University of Botswana indicated that racism existed up to 60 percent in the tourism sector.

Another finding was of a significantly high rate of littering in the Okavango Delta. However, the problem was subsequently addressed through waste management activities that yielded an improvement.

A researcher at UB's Maun campus, Joseph Mbaiwa, says in 2001, employees in the sector said racism manifested in different forms, including verbal abuse, low salaries, undesirable working conditions and in poor benefits.

Interviews had revealed two managers with the same qualifications and job descriptions but different salary levels.

The 2001 study also showed that few blacks held managerial positions while many were labourers. 'Our study in 2001 found that racism definitely exists in the tourism sector,' says Mbaiwa.

'We found this through interviews with workers and managers alike. With the pitso reaching its fifth year, we want to do another study to see whether this is still a prevalent issue. We are counting on the cooperation of tour operators.'

Significantly, a higher percentage of employees cited acts of racism while a lesser percentage of those holding managerial positions admitted to the issue. This year's study aims to explore the issue further and to find ways of addressing it.Regarding the tourism industry in general, Mbaiwa says the scene is dominated by foreigners, a situation which underscores the need for the government to promote citizen participation and ownership in the sector.

He points out that the issue of bookings being made outside the country was also raised as a matter of concern at the just-ended Tourism Pitso 2010. Mbaiwa says this means the money from Botswana-bound tourists does not reach the country.