- – … as pollers, small-scale business and creatives seized the opportunity to push their business and showcase skills
The Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust (OKMCT) has been praised for establishing Tapyowa NG32 Experience, an initiative which continues to empower livelihoods.
The fourth edition of the annual event aimed at promoting local tourism and celebrate culture returned to Mmamokhutshwane Island located within the NG32 concession in the Okavango Delta this past weekend, bringing together different communities of Boro, Xharaxao, Xuoxao, Daunara, and Xaxaba.
Locals including pollers, small-scale business and creatives among other beneficiaries of the vibrant event seized the opportunity to push their business and showcase skills.
Participating pollers in mekoro races comprising 100m, 200, 400m, 800m and relays for both female and male categories including youth, adults and veterans, all at the end walked away with varying prize monies.
Lasty Kedisa, from Boro who was crowned champion in both the 400-metre and 800-metres under the male categories said it was his first time participating in the event appreciating its positive impact.
“I urge the organisers to continue growing the event because its is very helpful in our livelihoods and also encourages us to preserve the culture of our fore fathers,” he stated.
Another poller, Gaongalelwe Kehemetswe from Xharaxao who won the 100 m race under female category appreciated the difference the event makes in their community members. She says in her preparations prior the event she was optimistic that she will take first position winning herself some prize.
Onaletshepo Tembo from Boro who won the 100m under male category attributed his victory to the training he conducted prior to the event. “Last year, I took second position on the 800 m race but this time around i came first in the 100 m thanks to the intense training i did. The race was perfect.”
800 m women winner, Ditiho Dikaelo from Boro appreciated that prize monies help them with the essentials including uniforms for children and groceries among other things.
Local entrepreneurs also seized the opportunity to market and sell their products. Among them was Maun-based businesswoman Banabothe Mahero, who indicated that despite the challenge in accessing the area due to flooding, people came in numbers to support her business. Mmoloki Sarefo who trade in fish, Tswii and Mmidi also appreciated the support he received.
Comedian and also musician, Coster FX also highlighted the importance of Tapyowa NG32 Experience for local creatives in helping them showcase their talent.
Meanwhile, OKCMT General Manager, Mr Seikaneng Moepedi emphasized that the main purpose of this local tourism product is to attract tourists to come and experience the beauty of the famous Okavango Delta instead of going to other tourism attraction sites abroad.
“The main thing that we want is for people to know the delta because majority of them do not know about it,” he added.
North West District Commissioner, Mr Thabang Waloka, also reiterated the event’s potential to diversify the country’s tourism product while also generating income and subsequently improving the livelihoods of communities in NG32.
“We want to diversify the wildlife-based tourism, so, OKMCT is doing so through sports and culture using mekoro which is a traditional mode of transport and important aspect of their lives,” he noted.
