The Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) has denied reports that it has backtracked on its intention to exit its partnership with the Seboba Community Conservation Trust (SCCT) under Muzi Wethu (Pty) Ltd.
This follows reports alleging that the organisation has backtracked on its intention to exit the project and opposes the community’s wish to terminate the partnership. They also alleged that BTO is seeking to remain involved until 2027 in order to retain control, and that bringing in an investor is a means for BTO to extend its control over the project.
Further, there were other claims that funds initially presented as an investment are now being reclassified as a grant, while BTO has failed to achieve its objectives and is seeking additional time to continue operating the project.
Addressing a Chobe District Council meeting recently, BTO’s acting CEO, Justice Ofentse, said that the report mischaracterises the organization’s position on the Seboba matters. Ofentse maintained that BTO has not reversed its intention to exit its partnership with the Seboba Trust under Muzi Wethu.
He clarified that their current discussions with the community relate to the governance, legal, and commercial processes required to give effect to an orderly exit, including an agreement on the preferred exit model and its operational implications.
Giving clarity on allegations that BTO is seeking to remain involved until 2027 to retain control, Ofentse explained that references to 2027 relate only to the Board meeting schedule approved for the financial year, in line with governance requirements. He said that the schedule does not determine the duration of the exit process. Ofentse noted that should the exit process be concluded earlier, there is no requirement for the Board meetings to continue until 2027.
He noted that bringing in an investor was one of several options tabled for consideration, citing that regardless of the outcome of the exit process, BTO remains mandated to facilitate tourism investment for communities and stakeholders. Ofentse stated that the discussion of potential investors therefore reflects BTO’s investment facilitation role rather than an intention to retain control.
He clarified that no reclassification has yet occurred on the funds initially presented as an investment. Ofentse explained that this matter arose from audit discussions regarding the appropriate accounting treatment of historical funding. He added that should the funding ultimately be recognised as a grant, this would be more favourable to the joint venture and the Trust, as a grant does not create a repayment obligation.
“BTO acknowledges that certain objectives were not achieved due to operational and business challenges. However, these matters are now subject to engagement between the shareholders as they consider the future of the project and the appropriate pathway forward, hence the commencement of exit discussions. The discussion is therefore about resolving the future of the venture, not extending operations,” he said.
On claims that their partnership was unlawful and the community must reclaim the land, Ofentse explained that the partnership was established through duly adopted community resolutions, and formal agreements through the Shareholder Agreement were entered into by authorised representatives. He stressed that the arrangement remains entirely lawful unless and until it is terminated through the appropriate legal and contractual processes.
He further noted that project expenditure and investment are recorded and remain subject to ongoing audit processes. Ofentse said that community fees have been paid to the Trust (P600K), while auction revenues generated from the project have been deposited into the company’s bank account.
Muzi Wethu (Pty) Ltd was established in 2013 as a joint venture between BTO and SCCT to develop and operate the Seboba Nature and Recreational Park in Kasane.
The partnership was designed to promote eco-tourism, conserve cultural and natural heritage, and support community development through capacity building and economic participation. BTO assumed a majority shareholding (51%) while SCCT held 49%, with BTO responsible for financing and technical expertise, and the Trust contributing land, cultural knowledge, and community participation.
Significant capital investment was made into the project of over P16 million, with a further P1.47 million as working capital for the first year, leading to the park’s operational launch in 2015.
However, operations ceased in October 2020 due to infrastructure deterioration and financial challenges, and this ultimately led to an impasse between the shareholders. The Trust submitted its nominated Board representatives on May 22, 2026, making the Board fully constituted.
A Kgotla meeting was also convened to determine whether the Botswana Tourism Organisation should continue its partnership with the Trust under the Muzi Wethu Company. The community resolved that the partnership should be dissolved.
The matter remains under management and the Board. A national workshop involving all twelve Main Land Boards was also conducted, while the final validation and handover of the completed study is expected before the end of June 2026.
