NATA: Leaders in the Central District village, Nata, have called on mobile network provider Mascom Wireless to consider staging a horse racing event in the area.
They believe the move could boost the tourism and economic status of the village and its surrounding areas. Until late last year, Mascom has often backed a horse racing event in Maun under the banner of Mascom Derby. However, in February, the company issued a press release announcing to the public that it would be organising, managing, and hosting the Mascom Derby 2023 edition in Maun. The company noted that it has pulled out of sponsoring the Mascom Derby as a result of an initiative by Chalebgwa Mabua as he had approached the court to interdict Mascom from hosting the event in Maun and was very successful.
Mascom’s relationship with Mabua spanned more than a decade. Mabua went on and organised the horse race but this time around it was sponsored by DC Tours. The Maun Mascom Derby has often been lauded for adding value to tourism and the economy of Maun. Now, Nata leaders have tabled a proposal for the village to be considered as hosts of the horse racing event. During the official handover of the Kitsong Centre, which is a Mascom Corporate Social Responsibility initiative), in Nata, Kgosi Rebagamang Rancholo pleaded with the company to consider bringing the horse racing event to the village. He stated that as a village they are open to a partnership with Mascom to make the horsing racing event in Nata successful. Rancholo argued that hosting the derby will boost tourism and create economic opportunities for the village as well as its surrounding areas. He added Nata has a suitable horse track to host the event. Nata-Gweta Member of Parliament, Polson Majaga who was amongst the speakers, echoed the same sentiments as Rancholo. “The track is there and underutilised. We will give you support so that the race can be successful,” the legislator said.
Majaga explained that a few horse racing trials have previously been held in Nata and highlighted that the track in the village can be used to stage a horse racing event of a very high magnitude. For his part, Tutume District Council (TDC) chairperson and Dukwi councilor, Thatayaone Kehitile also supported the suggestion for Mascom Derby to be hosted in Nata. He empasised that the TDC leadership is ready to back any event or initiative that brings value within its jurisdiction.
