Rising fuel prices did not only impact Easter travel; they also led to the cancellation of several anticipated events, much to the disappointment of travellers, event organisers, revellers, and other stakeholders.
The inaugural Maun Motor Show was among those heavily affected by the sharp rise in fuel costs. The event, which was scheduled for the 4th and 5th of April at the Cappello parking lot at the Mall of Maun, had to be postponed following the fuel price adjustments.
It was unfortunate for the much-anticipated event that fuel prices were adjusted just prior to its official launch, resulting in budget constraints for car dealers travelling from afar. The organisers, Phamani Events Curators, lamented that most dealers from outside Maun were bringing more than five vehicles each and could no longer transport them within their initial budgets.
Organisers highlighted that they were expecting four dealerships from outside Maun, each bringing more than six brands. Consequently, the travel expenditure for the vehicles and driver payments was negatively affected. The event was designed to offer a complete automotive culture experience, featuring 4×4 vehicles built for the wild, aftermarket accessories, detailing brands, and new dealership showcases.
The organising committee noted that the event intended to bring together exhibitors, buyers, and dealerships from various areas, including Francistown, Gaborone, Palapye, Ghanzi, and Maun. They explained that the show was established to provide an alternative for motor enthusiasts who are not necessarily fans of the horse racing events that typically dominate the Easter season.
Among the expected participants were Auto Armor, Tracker, and Trillo Car Rentals from Gaborone. The event also planned to feature an after-party musical event and a broadcast by famous radio presenter T’kay Lenin through his podcast, The Juice 2.0. Furthermore, the show was meant to host financial institutions, insurance companies, and car-tech exhibitors, alongside food and lifestyle stalls.
The organisers have since released a statement apologizing to partners, exhibitors, and buyers for the inconvenience. They assured fans that a new date will be set soon, noting that this conclusion was reached after numerous meetings with sponsors and partners.
While the last-minute cancellation of the first edition was a disappointment to many, the public has been urged to remain hopeful, as the event will be rescheduled for a date to be announced shortly.
