After more than twenty years of inactivity, the Shorobe Community Trust has made a remarkable comeback, reigniting hopes for sustainable development and economic growth within the community it serves.
The Trust, which was officially re-established last year, has already begun making strides toward revitalising local initiatives and attracting investment.
Vice Secretary, Sekano Modise has highlighted that the Trust was established in 1998 and had since been unable to operate due to lack of compliance with relevant legislation. “The Trust had been muted all these decades because the members were not in correlation and certain procedures that were to kick-start the operations were not followed,” he explained.
However, Modise explained that the current board members officially started their duties in March 2024 when the community appointed them to take over the course.
Modise further stated that the Community trust is fundamental to societal cohesion and progress. He alluded that when residents trust local organisations and leaders, they are more likely to participate in development initiatives, uphold social norms, and supporting collective goals.
For his part, Chairperson of the Trust, Bangapi Setimela shared that in the past year the organisation was able to establish and put in place a constitution that would forsee the smooth running of the Trust approved by the High Court in Francistown.
He also added that one of the Trust’s notable recent achievements is securing an extension of their land lease by an additional 15 years. This extension provides the community with long-term security over their land assets, enabling more strategic planning and investment.
Furthermore, the Tawana Land Board has agreed to increase the land allocated for a campsite development, opening new opportunities for tourism and business ventures. These developments are expected to attract investors interested in establishing hospitality and eco-tourism facilities, which could significantly boost local employment and income.
“Currently we have two investors, Delta Rain and Wakosheka Mokoro Tours who had employed 16 youths in our community,” he added.
Mochaba resident, Joseph Mogomotsi applauded the efforts put forth by the Trust’s board and implored the community to consider changing its name in order to accommodate and represent other villages like Mochaba and Matsaudi that fall under the Trust.
“We need to change this name so that it represents us all,” he said.
Shorobe resident, Mmoloki Sarefo implored the community to continue supporting the Trust board as collaborative efforts brings about success in economic development and growth.
Meanwhile, during their first-ever Annual General Meeting (AGM), Shorobe Commumity Trust unanimously decided to extend the terms of current board members to ensure continuity and stability in leadership.
