18 May 2022

The founder of Mascom Derby, Charles Mabua, says there is need for land to put up proper infrastructure that can transform horse racing in the country.

Mabua said in an interview that he needed 100 hectares of land to provide facilities that would match the international horse racing standards.

He admitted that the current track was small and risky to handle such a big event.

Mabua said proper facilities would ensure the viewing of races from different angles, a smooth and safe racing surface and give fair treatment to all stakeholders including horse owners, riders, patrons, betting operators, food and beverage sellers.

He pointed out that he had secured investors who showed interest to inject money into infrastructure development, but lack of land was a stumbling block.

He cited some officials from Durban July event, saying they had long approached him and insisted that he should also secure a gambling license as horse racing was a popular sport for betting.

Durban July event is a South African prestigious event, where the fashion and horse racing events are held in a colourful spectacle of unbridled excitement. The event has even put South Africa horse racing on the international map.

“It seems my efforts to improve the race and acquire a license are in vain as I have long applied for it in 2009 and there is no positive response until today,” he added.

He was of the view that partnering with big giants like Durban July would be an added advantage to gain international recognition as the derby had become a sporting and social occasion and could unify the nation and draw people together from all walks of life.

Mabua appreciated that the derby had been growing over the past years and wished the government could come on board and assist with land as the event was important both to government and the public at large.

The event, he said, made the biggest contribution to the tourism sector and the local and national economies, citing that during the just ended derby, all hospitality facilities in Maun and surrounding villages were fully booked while other big and small businesses also benefited.

Mabua appreciated that some spectators had already booked for next year, saying that was an indication that the event was embraced by many.

He further noted that it had become a significant contributor to the economy hence the need for all stakeholders including government to ensure its sustainability in the long run.

However, since 2006, Mascom Telecommunication had been the major sponsor of the derby and there were some unconfirmed reports that the company had been dominating the event. But, Mabua dismissed the allegations as untrue and baseless, explaining that Mascom remained the major sponsor while all the logistics were taken care of by his company, Botseapa Agencies.

“The race still remains my concept, it is my intellectual property and I do appreciate Mascom’s support towards the growth of the event,” he stressed.

Narrating his journey in the race, he explained that the event started in 2004 with a prize money of P12 000 from his pocket, after he completed a marketing management course at Zimbabwe. During his schooling, he was lucky to be attached to a horse racing association for three months, where he was inspired by his supervisor and he developed a passion for horse racing.

He recalled that one day his supervisor told him to apply what he acquired upon his return to Botswana hence the first race in 2004, which saw only one thoroughbred horse competing with Tswana breed.

Since many horse owners showed interest, he said he approached several companies and Mascom responded positively to his proposal hence their continued sponsorship of the event annually. ENDS