Former Botswana Guides Association (BOGA) Chairperson Kenson Kgaga was among some Batswana who were honoured during the Botswana Honours and Awards that were held on the eve of the Independence Day.
Kgaga received the Presidential Certificate of Honour (PCH) from President Mokgweetsi Masisi. In accordance with the Botswana Honours Act the PCH, being a certificate is awarded for long and faithful service to Botswana.
The 76-year-old Shorobe born who is the first Motswana to become a professional guide has contributed immensely to the community and nation for over 40 years.
Kgaga founded BOGA in 2000 in collaboration with Professional Guides in Maun to empower Batswana into the tourism sector and served as its Chairman until his resignation in 25th May last year.
Kgaga also formed a mobile Safari Company – Naga Safaris which he has operated successfully over the decades.
Through the association they wanted a platform for guides and small safari operators to express their concerns and needs regarding the tourism sector. BOGA is a networking and advisory organisation that focuses particularly on the growth and development of tourism.
In an interview with this publication, Kgaga expressed gratitude and honour, indicating that through the award, the President recognised the strides he made in developing Botswana’s tourism sector. Kgaga has stated that since becoming the first Motswana professional guide he worked together with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to help Batswana acquire professional guide and safari licenses.
He also noted that through his collaboration with the ministry many Batswana have had the opportunity to be allocated camp sites in different areas including Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, Kgalagadi, Tuli Block, Mashatu and other parts of the country. Kgaga stated that after realising that some Batswana lacked knowledge about safari operations and were operating without licenses he saw the need to engage Botswana Wildlife Training Institute (BWTI), to offer them training and education.
‘‘I really deserve this honour because during my tenure as BOGA Chairperson, I served diligently and worked well with,” he said.
On the other hand, Kgaga had last year received the Ministers Recognition award from the former Minister of Environment and Tourism Phildah Kereng and the Hero Award from Prophet TP Elias for his outstanding contribution in the development of tourism industry.
Kgaga is also a revered politician, a member of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), and outgoing councillor for Boro/Senonnori ward in the now Maun North constituency.
