14 May 2024

Batswana are encouraged to seize the opportunity presented by the upcoming second edition of the Tapyowa NG32 experience.

The Tapyowa NG32 experience, inaugurated last year, is a cultural tourism event established by the Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust (OKMCT) to celebrate the rich diversity of ethnic groups inhabiting the wildlife concession area of NG32.

This initiative caters to tourists seeking to explore the wonders of the renowned delta using mekoro, offering a variety of activities including mokoro races, cultural demonstrations, and traditional games, among others.

Scheduled for the 28th-29th June this year at Xaxaba settlement in the heart of the delta. OKMCT’s general manager, Mr Seikaneng Moepedi, has confirmed that preparations were underway. Anticipating increased local and international attendance this year, he called upon Batswana and stakeholders to support the event and discover the natural marvels of the delta.

Mr Moepedi has appealed for full support from the community and stakeholders and mentioned that they were seeking financial backing, with a total budget of P1.2 million required for the successful execution of the annual event.

Acknowledging the event’s inclusion in the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) calendar as a sign of growth and expanded outreach beyond Ngamiland,

Mr Moepedi has encouraged interested companies to select support packages. Partners would receive recognition and branding in promotional materials, he said

Not merely aimed at promoting tourism for economic gains, the event also seeks to preserve the cultural heritage and address traditional values that define local communities. Through fostering community awareness and active involvement, the event aims to create sustainable income opportunities through tourism-related activities, ultimately contributing to poverty alleviation and improved living standards.

The ethnic groups found in the concession include Bayei, Bahambukushu, Basarwa and other various groups and each group has its own fairly distinct livelihood strategy and Mr Moepedi was of the view that empowering them was critical so that they become custodians of their own cultural heritage. “I urge Batswana to get ready for this unique and fascinating initiative, which aims to promote domestic tourism and enhance cultural tourism in the area.

I call upon them to come and appreciate one of the best safari destinations in the country as well as witness mekoro race in the water and appreciate the incredible wildlife,” he added. The mokoro race is categorised into 100 meters, 200m, 400m, 800m and relays in 200m and 400m respectively.

Attendees would also have an opportunity to experience one of the wonders of the world through mokoro drives and other cultural activities indicating that the tour would be led by professional guides, and polers from the community.

The experience, he said does not only capture the mokoro race, but it would also give the community an opportunity to promote their indigenous knowledge.

Furthermore, Mr Moepedi revealed that they had added a component of cultural night to spice the event in which local members would showcase their diverse and rich cultures in the form of dance, folklore, songs, play as well as storytelling.

Attendees, he said would also be treated to a cultural exhibition in which the community would display baskets, sculptures, beads and other products noting that the activity would allow them to market and network with tourists and visitors.

“Our communities possess indigenous knowledge and skills on basket weaving, sculptures, beads making, and traditional food and fruits harvested in the area and through the exhibition, they offer lessons/classes to participants to transfer skills and knowledge,” he pointed out.

Mr Moepedi said the Tapyowa NG32 experience was in line with President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s Reset Agenda, which called for new approaches to bring clear, evident and immediate change to ensure prosperity for all. ENDS